Rubble at the site of the massive fire that broke out during a fireworks display in Paravoor, Kerala on Sunday (PTI)
There have been numerous fire tragedies in south India that have claimed the lives of several people over the years.
The fire at the Puttingal Devi temple has claimed over 100 lives. In south India, there have been numerous fire tragedies that have claimed a large number of lives and remain etched forever in the minds of many. Here's a look at the worst fire tragedies in south India:
Kollam temple fire tragedy, Kerala
The Devitemple fire that started on 3:30 am on Sunday (April 10) morning is one of the worst fire tragedies in India. The devastating fire that started as a result of firecrackers, has claimed over 108 lives so far and left more than 300 people injured. Many of the injured have suffered serious burns and the state and Central governments are doing their best to provide them with medical help. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
Venus Circus fire tragedy, Bengaluru
On February 8, 1981, parents and teachers were out at the Venus Circus near Jakkarayanakere enjoying a show with children. But suddenly at 6:30 pm, the circus tent caught fire and it turned out to be the worst fire tragedy in Karnataka. The laughter of children gave way to screams of terror and help. The circus fire claimed 92 lives and about 300 were injured in this disaster. Save for about 11 adults, all those who died in this tragedy were children. It was the last day of the circus and to this day this disaster is unforgettable to those who lost their children and were present near that area. Investigations later revealed that the high-tension electric cables in the circus tent had overheated and caused the fire.
Kumbakonam school fire, Tamil Nadu
The Sri Krishna Middle School in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, made headlines across India on July 16, 2004 for all the wrong reasons. Three schools - Sri Krishna Aided Primary School, Saraswathy Nursery and Primary School and Sri Krishna Girls High School – were run in the same building which had a thatched roof structure. At 10:30 am, one of the students alerted her teacher that a fire had broken out on the thatched roof. The building had 900 children at that point with a single narrow staircase. The building caught fire but the fire rescue services and locals could not prevent the tragedy that ensued. 94 children died in this fire and many were injured. The school founder Pulavar Palanichamy was sentenced toafter the court trial. Hi wife and school correspondent P Saraswathi, headmistress J Santhalakshmi, noon meal organizer R Vijayalakshmi and cook R Vasanthi were sentenced to five years’ imprisonment each. A compensation of Rs 1 lakh from the state government and Rs 50,000 from the Centre was given to each victim’s family.
ALSO READ Kerala Temple fire: 106 killed, 383 injured in devastating fire at Puttingal temple
Sivaskasi fireworks tragedy, Tamil Nadu
Sivaskasi in Tamil Nadu is the hub of fireworks manufacturing in India. There have beenbecause of fireworks, but the worst tragedy took place on September 5, 2012. A fire broke out at Om Sakthi Fireworks, a private cracker manufacturing unit in Mudhalipatti, and it claimed 38 lives. Om Sakthi was also operating without a valid license. Workers were mixing dangerous chemicals in a hot room when the chemicals caught fire. More than 60 people were injured in this fire tragedy making it one of the worst in this town. The Tamil Nadu government then cracked down on fireworks factories shutting down many that had no permits and safety measures.
ALSO READ Worst firework-related tragedy in Kerala in last 50 years
Srirangam marriage hall fire tragedy, Tamil Nadu
It was supposed to be a happy occasion on 23 January, 2004 at the Padmapriya Marriage Hall in Srirangam near Trichy. There was a wedding and people were interacting on the occasion when tragedy struck. At 9:15 am, the thatched roof caught fire, spreading fast to the makeshift stage. The thatched roof that caught fire also fell on the people assembled and 57 people were killed, including the groom. 50 others were injured in this tragedy. An investigation later revealed that a short circuit in the electric wire connecting the video camera set the roof on fire leading to this disaster. On 14 June 2012, Ramasamy (65), the owner of the wedding hall, was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa announced a cash relief of Rs 50,000 to families of the deceased, Rs 15,000 to people with heavy injuries and Rs 6,000 to those with minor injuries.