Temple tragedy: Collector seeks explanation

Thiruvananthapuram: Kollam District Collector A. Shainamol has sought explanation from Kollam Police Commissioner on the failure to enforce the order of the Additional District Magistrate banning competitive fireworks display at the Paravoor Puttingal Devi temple.

The fireworks accident at the temple has so far claimed 109 lives. At least seven are in critical condition.

Official sources said that about 300 persons were under treatment in various hospitals in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.  As on Monday evening, 14 bodies remained unidentified.

The police have not provided any explanation so far about their failure to stop the fireworks display.  The Commissioner had earlier written to the Collector saying that the programme could be permitted. However, the district authorities did not grant the permission.

The Crime Branch today took over investigation of the tragedy. Additional Director General of Police (Crime Branch) Ananthakrishan, who visited the sport, said that issues including failure of officials to enforce the Additional District Magistrate S. Shanawaz’s order would be probed.

A team led by Sudarshan Kamal, Chief Controller Explosives, also inspected the site of the tragedy.

A review meeting chaired by Health Minister V. S. Sivakumar, here today conclude that the victims under treatment in the medical college need not be shifted to hospitals outside the State for expert treatment. Several of the patients had suffered more than 60 per cent burns and were not fit for transfer.

A high level meeting attended by the Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will be held tomorrow morning to review the situation.

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the State government seeking report on the accident within four weeks and steps being taken to prevent such incidents in future.