More Than 70 Killed in Fire in Temple in South India

NEW DELHI (AP) — More than 70 people were killed in a massive fire that broke out in a temple in the southern Indian state of Kerala early Sunday, a top official said.

Another 200 have been injured as people became trapped by flames in the crowded Paravoor temple in Kollam city during a major festival, said State Home Minister Ramesh Chennitala.

#UPDATE Video allegedly taken at the scene of the fire killed over 77 & injured 200 in S #India on Sun @julienboulothttps://t.co/hRCOnruBp5

— People's Daily,China (@PDChina) April 10, 2016

The fire started when a spark during a fireworks display ignited a separate batch of fireworks that had been stored in the temple in preparation for the Hindu new year festival called Vishu this coming Thursday, he said.

The fireworks erupted in a big explosion.

The temple was gutted as huge flames engulfed the building within minutes, trapping devotees within the temple, Chennitala said.

#BREAKING At least 77 died, over 200 injured after a massive fire at a Hindu temple in a coastal town in S #India pic.twitter.com/GEWIlBUCu1

— People's Daily,China (@PDChina)

April 10, 2016

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