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Fireworks Display Explodes At Temple In India Killing 106

A huge fire broke out during a fireworks display at a Hindu temple in south India, killing at least 106 people and injuring 350 others. Kerala state government has ordered an official inquiry into the incident which happened early Sunday morning at the Puttingal temple in Paravoor, near Kollam. Asia Times reports: Retired justice Krishnan Nair will be in charge of the inquiry and the report will be submitted in six months. The crime branch will investigate a pending case related to fireworks filed by locals at Paravoor police station. TamilNadu Update News & Videos YouTube video: ADGP Ananthakrishnan will investigate the case, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said. Competition turns deadly Competitive fireworks are illegal and stricter laws will be framed against such displays, he said. As many as 273 people are being treated for injuries sustained due to burns or falling debris in hospitals in Kollam and nearby district Thiruvanathapuram. The condition of many remain critical. Over 80 bodies have been identified so far. Another 18 bodies — three of them blown into pieces — are yet to be identified, Chandy said, adding that DNA tests will be conducted to identify them. Most of the dead are either women or children. About 20,000 people had gathered on the [...]