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Fire At Indian Temple Kills More Than 100


Indian officials and bystanders gather beside a collapsed building after an explosion and fire at a temple in Paravoor early on April 10 that killed scores of people.
Indian officials and bystanders gather beside a collapsed building after an explosion and fire at a temple in Paravoor early on April 10 that killed scores of people.

The death toll from a major fire that broke out in a temple in the southern Indian state of Kerala has passed 100, according to a top official.

"It has been confirmed that 102 people were killed and 280 injured and admitted to various hospitals," Chief Minister of Kerala state, Oommen Chandy told journalists.

The fire began when a fireworks show ignited a separate batch of fireworks at the temple complex in Paravoor.

A building at the temple then collapsed, causing many of the fatalities.

By morning, firefighters had brought the fire under control and rescuers were searching for survivors through the wreckage.

Fireworks and firecrackers are commonly used at temple festivals as well as other public events in India and accidents are not uncommon.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and the BBC

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