President Pranab Mukherjee condoles loss of lives in Kollam fire

NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee today expressed heartfelt condolences over the loss of lives in the massive fire at a temple in Kerala.

"Heartfelt condolences on loss of lives in Kerala temple fire," he said in a tweet.

"Urge state government and other agencies to provide all help to bereaved families and medical assistance to the injured," the President said.

Nearly 100 people were killed and over 350 others injured as the fire engulfed 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.