PM Modi To Visit Kerala Temple Fire Site, Announces Compensation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the Kerala temple in Kollam today where a massive fire in the wee hours of the morning claimed 96 lives and injured over 350 people.

I will be reaching Kerala soon to take stock of the situation arising due to the unfortunate fire tragedy in Kollam.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 10, 2016

He added that he had spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy about the situation and has arranged for immediate shifting of those critically injured via helicopters. A team of burn specialist doctors will be traveling with the PM to to Kollam.

"Have also asked my Cabinet colleague and Health Minister JP Nadda to immediately reach the site of the fire tragedy in Kollam," he said.

The PM has also announced ₹2 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the critically injured, a government spokesperson told ANI.

The PM has instructed that no official welcome protocols should be followed on his arrival.

The tragedy at the Puttingal Devi Temple in Kollam took place when the fire broke out during a display of fireworks.

Fire at temple in Kollam is heart-rending & shocking beyond words. My thoughts are with families of the deceased & prayers with the injured.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 10, 2016

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