Catholics rush to help injured in temple explosion
Some 100 injured people are being treated at two hospitals under Quilon diocese.
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| A damaged building at the Puttingal Devi temple after a storage area full of fireworks caught fire and exploded, April 10. Nearby church-run hospitals are providing free medical care for more than 100 people injured by the accident. (Photo by AFP) |
The accident occurred at the Puttingal Devi temple near Kollam district during a festival after a stray spark lit a large amount of fireworks being kept in a concrete storeroom.
The resulting explosion blew up the storeroom and killed 107 people and injured over 380.
Father George Rebeiro of Quilon Diocese said around 100 injured people are being treated at the diocese-operated Bishop Benziger Hospital and at the Holy Cross Hospital on the town's outskirts.
The priest said the explosion occurred toward the end of a firework display, when stocks were depleted, adding that the accident could have been worse.
The seven-day festival attracts large crowds to the temple and is known for its fireworks competition that goes on for four hours.
M. Mohandas, a local businessman who lives near the temple, said the accident occurred at the final stages of the pyrotechnics display.
"I was sitting outside my house when the explosion occurred," said Mohandas.
"After the explosion I heard pleas for help," he said. Mutilated bodies were scattered all over the temple grounds, he added.
Avoidable tragedy
Father Rebeiro said Catholics in the area are upset because such accidents often occur in Kerala because local officials fail to effectively carry out their duties.
"The church is anguished because this was an avoidable tragedy. The death and suffering came invited by human carelessness," Father Rebeiro said.
"There are rules against storing such huge quantities of explosives but unfortunately there seems to be a laxity in enforcing the rules," he said.
Over the last five decades Kerala has had over 400 temple-related accidents — both small and large — where more than 400 people have died, reports One India.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India expressed "shock and grief" over the explosion and said they share "the sorrow of the bereaved families."
They urged the dioceses, church-run hospitals and church social service centers near the accident to offer all possible assistance to those injured and affected by the explosion.
Pope Francis also conveyed his sadness over the disaster and offered his condolences to the relatives of the deceased and injured.
The pope is praying for all those affected by the tragedy and invoked upon the nation the divine blessings of strength and peace, said a message singed by papal secretary of state Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Source: UCAN
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