Firework rules 'flouted' at Indian temple collapse

Most of the 102 people who died during a fire at an Indian temple where killed when the building collapsed, officials said.

A fire broke out in the Hindu temple in Kerala state, south India, after a spark from an unauthorised fireworks show ignited a separate batch of fireworks stored at the temple.

Over 200 were injured and 102 killed after thousands who were packed into the temple complex heard a big explosion erupt at about 3am, officials said.

A blaze spread quickly through the temple, trapping devotees within. Most of those killed died when the building collapsed.

• Duke and Duchess "saddened" by news

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who arrived in India on Sunday for their first tour of the country, have been informed of the tragedy.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "Upon their arrival this morning, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were informed about the tragic fire in Kollam".

"Their royal highnesses are saddened by the news and send their thoughts to all who are assisting the victims."

• "Fireworks display permission denied"

The temple in Kerala holds a competitive fireworks display every year, with different groups putting on successive light shows for thousands of Hindu devotees.

This year, however, district authorities denied permission for the fireworks display, officials said.

Kerala's High Court had earlier mandated that fireworks must be stored more than 100 meters from temples - orders that were flouted at the temple, a top police official claimed.

"We will be investigating how the orders were flouted and who was responsible for the decision to go ahead with the firework display", said chief minister Oommen Chandy.