Prayers mark first anniversary of Puttingal firework tragedy

Special prayers marked the first anniversary of Kerala's worst fireworks tragedy at Puttingal Devi temple in neighbouring Kollam district that claimed 110 lives and left at least 400 people injured.
Floral tributes were paid at the memorial erected near the accident spot.
Under a programme organised by the local municipality, 110 'deepams' will be lit at a memorial meeting.
The tragedy occurred in the early hours of April 10 at the temple as people from far and near gathered to see the finale of the 9-day festivities, an exhilarating fireworks display.
A spark from a cracker fell on a large storehouse of crackers and fireworks that exploded and completely destroyed more than 100 houses and partially damaged 2,000 in the vicinity.

Several wells in the areas nearby caved in under the impact of the massive explosion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi had visited the accident spot.