Even as the toll in the Kollam temple tragedy rose to 111, the Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy, chaired a meeting to review the treatment protocol for survivors of Sunday’s fireworks accident at Paravoor.

According to official sources,

Surendran, one of the main contractors who had led competing teams in the illfated fireworks show, also died. Thirteen bodies are still to be identified, and at least 20 persons are missing.

Patients not to be moved

Tuesday’s meeting decided against moving survivors to New Delhi or Mumbai as they were getting the best possible treatment in various hospitals here and at Kollam.

The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister has made available services of expert doctors/surgeons from leading hospitals and military facilities in Delhi, Kochi and Coimbatore.

They have expressed complete satisfaction with the protocol of treatment followed for the survivors. The short-term mission is to ramp up delivery of services.

The State government has released ₹20 crore so far for rescue and relief efforts, the Chief Minister said.

Raids planned

Separately, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said raids would be conducted at unauthorised dealers and storehouses of crackers and other incendiary material in view of the Vishu festival.

Strict measures would be initiated to ensure that crackers with destructive potency would not be used during the rest of the festival season.

The government will also explore the option of licensing the use of crackers which are flashier but milder in terms of sound and related effects.

The Home Minister said he was personally against the practice of parading elephants during festivities. But this is something that needs consensus from a wider spectrum of people and organisations.

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