President Jacob Zuma has on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, conveyed a message of condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of India following an explosion and fire at the Puttingal Devi Temple in Paravul, Kerala State in southern India, on Sunday, 10 April 2016, that claimed over a 100 lives.

The explosion and blaze at the temple was reported to be sparked by a stray firework.

“Our thoughts are with the people of India in the aftermath of the catastrophic explosion and blaze at the Puttingal Devi Temple in Kerala State. On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, I send my deepest condolences to the Government of India and to everyone affected, particularly to the families and friends of those killed and injured in the explosion at the temple,” said President Zuma.

SOURCE: THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA