Fire mishap at Kollam temple: Rahul Gandhi to visit Kerala

NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi will visit Kerala today to meet those injured in the fire tragedy at the Puttingal Devi Temple in Kollam that left over 100 dead.

He is leaving for Kollam to express solidarity, offer condolences and see the relief and rehabilitation operations in the wake of the massive fire at the temple, AICC chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said.

He will also meet those injured in the mishap.

Surjewala said a judicial inquiry has already been ordered into the incident and the party leadership has asked the chief minister to get in touch with the Election Commission so that financial relief could be promptly provided to the families of the dead and to those injured.

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are in touch with the Chief Minister. The Kerala Health and Home Ministers are overseeing the operations and those injured have been admitted to 13 hospitals.

Nearly 100 people were killed and over 350 others injured in the fire at the Puttingal Devi Temple complex at Paravoor near Kollam early today.

The fire broke out when sparks emanating from a fireworks display ignited a store room filled with crackers and pyrotechnic material.