Over 40 die in Hindu temple fire

THANJAVUR - Dozens of Hindu worshippers died when fire broke out in an 11th Century temple in southern India and set off a stampede…

THANJAVUR - Dozens of Hindu worshippers died when fire broke out in an 11th Century temple in southern India and set off a stampede among panic stricken devotees, authorities said yesterday.

Most of the 40 or more victims were trampled as thousands of people attending a major Hindu festival rushed to escape the flames which started from a fire cracker and engulfed a temporary shelter of coconut leaves on Saturday night.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter