Kollam temple fire: PM Modi announces compensation

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced Rs two lakh each as compensation for the next of the kin of the dead in Kollam temple fire in which 102 people have been killed.

He also announced Rs 50,000 each for the injured in the tragedy that occurred early this morning in Puttingal Devi Temple near Kollam town.

Expressing deep anguish and shock over the disaster, he directed the Indian Air Force to ferry the injured to hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram for treatment.

The Prime Minister also decided to visit the temple town for taking stock of the situation and meet the injured.

The Prime Minister is taking a team of doctors specialising in treating burn injuries along with him.

Modi will be directly landing in the town where the mishap took place.

All protocol including the Governor and the Chief Minister receiving the Prime Minster at the helipad has been waived.

Modi has directed IAF and Navy to divert all helicopters in the command for ferrying injured to major hospitals in nearby cities.