At least 105 people killed after firework display causes huge temple blaze

MORE than 350 people have been injured and at least 100 killed after a fire broke out at a Hindu temple in India early on Sunday.

Thousands of people were packed in and around Puttingal Devi temple in Kerala, south India, for a fireworks display celebrating the Hindu new year that started at midnight.

Police believe a rogue spark landed in a storage area full of firecrackers which triggered the massive explosion that caused a building jampacked with spectators to collapse– killing and critically injuring hundreds. 

There were scenes of utter chaos as emergency services tried to pull the injured from the wreckage. 

Prime minister Narendra Modi has since called the incident \"heart-rending & shocking beyond words\".

Kerala's Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said: "The temple holds an annual firework display every year. We're doing our best to rescue those still trapped,”

Meanwhile the region"s Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said: "Rescue operation at the mishap spot is over.

"The next main focus of the govement is to provide best treatment to the injured.

"This is an unprecedented and alarming situation,”

There are unconfirmed reports that police had not given the temple permission to host the firework display.

India"s Home affairs minister Rajnath Singh said he is "extremely pained over the loss of lives in the accident”

He added: "The news of major fire at Puttingal temple in Kollam is deeply distressing.

"My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who died in Kollam accident. My prayers are with the injured.”

State health authorities said many of the injured had been driven to the state capital as hospitals in Kollam were stretched.