Kollam temple fire facts for kids
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Puttingal Devi Temple in 2008
 Puttingal Temple
Puttingal Temple
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| Date | 10 April 2016 |
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| Time | 03:30 IST (22:00 UTC on April 9) |
| Location | Paravur, Kollam, Kerala, India |
| Deaths | 111 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 350+ |
On April 10, 2016, around 3:30 AM, a big explosion and fire happened at the Puttingal Temple in Paravur, Kollam, India. This happened because a fireworks show went wrong.
The accident killed 111 people and injured over 350 others. Many people had serious burns. The temple and at least 150 homes nearby were damaged by the explosion. People who saw what happened said that sparks from a firecracker landed on other fireworks stored in a concrete building, causing them to explode.
The temple did not have official permission from the Kerala government for this fireworks show. About 15,000 visitors were at the temple for the last day of a seven-day Hindu festival honoring the goddess Bhadrakali.
After the event, on April 13, the Kerala High Court made a rule. They banned loud fireworks displays after sunset at all places of worship in the state. This was the second big fireworks accident in southern India in recent years. Another one happened in 2012 at a factory in Tamil Nadu.
What Happened?
Temples in southern India often have festivals with fireworks. These shows are meant to celebrate or honor the goddess. In Kerala, there are even yearly competitions for the most amazing fireworks displays. In 1952, 68 people died in a firecracker explosion at the Sabarimala temple.
On April 10, 2016, two groups of people were setting off fireworks. Thousands of people were watching the festival at Puttingal temple. The temple leaders told police they had spoken permission from local officials. However, on April 12, it was found that the temple was actually denied permission because of safety worries. But the show went on due to pressure from the people.
The fire started around 3:30 AM. An explosion happened in a pile of fireworks stored at the temple. These fireworks were meant for upcoming Vishu celebrations. It seems a firework, called Amittu locally, fell into the stored fireworks after being lit. This caused the big explosion. The storage building and a nearby office building collapsed. This led to most of the injuries and deaths. People living more than a kilometer away felt the blast.
Helping After the Accident
The Indian Navy quickly sent a transport plane and two helicopters. They also sent medical teams from their naval base in Kochi to help with rescue efforts.
The Indian Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard also joined in to help.
Most of the people who were hurt were taken to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College for treatment.
Images for kids
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A collapsed concrete building in Paravur Puttingal Devi Temple after the fireworks accident
See also
In Spanish: Explosión en Kollan para niños
