A large fire at a Hindu temple in the south Indian town of Kollam has reportedly left an estimated 60 people dead and 200 injured.
The incident took place at 3.30am as worshippers had gathered to celebrate the Vishu festival at the temple, in Kerala state.
State home minister Ramesh Chennitala said more than 60 people died and 150 others were injured in the fire.
He says the blaze was started by firecrackers stored in the crowded temple.
The government has reportedly launched an investigation into the tragedy.
Indian media reported more than 77 people had been killed.
The Times of India said the conclusion of Puttingal temple festival is marked by fireworks and that one of the fireworks ignited firecrackers stored in a shed, leading to a huge explosion.
Images from the scene posted on Twitter showed a huge fireball erupting into the night sky.
A video posted on Twitter showed fireworks exploding into the sky as blast after blast shook the temple and flames erupted.
The Times reported that 200 injured people had been taken to several hospitals, many suffering serious burns.
Kollam beach lies about 70km north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram.
Map of Kollam Kollam beach is on India’s south coast.
The port town of Kollam attracts thousands of tourists each year, with its panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. It’s the second largest port in Kerala after Cochin.
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Templo Puttingal en 2008
Un incendio en un templo hindú en Paravur, Kollam, India, deja al menos 60 muertos y más de 200 heridos. El incendio fue provocado por fuegos artificiales a las 03:30 hora local (10:00 UTC) días antes de la celebración del festival Vishu, festival celebrado en el templo de Puttingal donde se desarrolló el incidente.

Según reportes, la Policía dio una advertencia sobre la restricción de fuegos artificiales al personal del templo, la cual fue ignorada. Los medios locales reportan que varios heridos ya fueron trasladados, varias personas tienen quemaduras graves.

El gobierno de la India ya está investigando el incidente.