Surendran was the 111th person to die in the fire at Kollam temple, in which more than 1,000 people have been injured.
Highlights
- Surendran had sustained 90% burns and had undergone surgery
- His son sustained 50 per cent burns and is undergoing treatment
- Temple officials said he was given Rs 7 lakh for the fireworks display
A contractor who organised Sunday's illegal fireworks show at a temple in Kerala's Kollam, died today. He had been named as one of the 30 accused in the case filed by the police.
Surendran, 67, was the 111th person to die in the fire, in which more than 1,000 people have been injured. He had sustained fatal burns when a stray spark landed in a building stockpiling crackers and a terrific explosion had occurred and the building had collapsed.
Before he died, he reportedly told his family that his license for explosives should be placed on his body.
"Surendran suffered 90 per cent burns and a surgery was conducted on his large intestine. His kidneys were also in a bad condition," a statement from the hospital read.
His son, who was also sustained 50 per cent burns in the fire, is undergoing treatment at the Medical College Hospital hospital.
Seven temple officials arrested for the tragedy have told police that Surendran was given Rs.7 lakh to conduct the fireworks display, which had gone ahead despite the lack of permission from the district authorities.
The Kerala high court today held the police responsible for the tragedy, pointing to a multitude of lapses.
The police, the judges said, failed to provide basic safety to devotees, which amounts to a violation of human rights. They also said they were disinclined to "trust the police" and were considering asking the CBI to take over the investigation.