A huge fire broke out at Puttingal temple at Paravaur in Kollam district, Kerala, early Sunday morning, leaving at least 102 dead and over 350 injured, according to police reports. Torn limbs and body parts were strewn all over the area.

The fireworks ceremony was part of the annual festival of the famous shrine, near Kollam. According to the police, the conclusion of the annual Puttingal temple festival is marked by fireworks, which began around 1 am. The explosion occurred at around 3.30 am today.

Initial reports say that the fire could have been caused due to a blast in the firework stockpile that was kept ready for the temple celebrations. The sparks from the exploding fireworks landed on the storage shelter, which caused the blast. Nearby residents and spectators initially thought that it was a gas cylinder explosion.

In the impact of the explosion, the office building of the Travancore Devaswom Board near the storehouse was completely destroyed.

A district-wide ban was imposed on fireworks at temples and large gatherings, but special permits were given on religious and traditional grounds. Police too had warned temple authorities to restrict usage of fireworks.

People with serious burn injury were admitted to the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Those with minor burns or injuries have been admitted to various private hospitals at Meeyapuram and Kottiyam.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala are visiting the scene. Rescue operations are being carried out under the direct supervisions of the State Police Chief, T.P. Senkumar.

Authorities have released control room numbers: 0474-2512344, 9497930869, 9497960778.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to offer his condolences to the families of the deceased.