Tributes paid on Kumbakonam fire tragedy anniversary

Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, Jul 16 (UNI) Floral tributes, candlelight vigil, prayers and silent procession marked the second anniversary of the gruesome school fire tragedy in which 94 children were reduced to ashes.

Parents of the fire victims, relatives, schoolchildren and the general public gathered before the private school, which was engulfed by the inferno on that fateful day and paid tearful tributes before the photographs of all the 94 children.

The atmosphere was emotionally charged and poignant as bereaved parents took out a silent procession carrying small earthern lamps in their hands.

Some of the mothers broke down on seeing their wards' photographs which were displayed prominently before the school.

Two years ago on this day, 94 primary schoolchildren were burnt to death and several injured when the thatched roof of their classroom caught fire.

Thanjavur District Collector Vijayaraj Kumar, who joined the mourners and paid his tributes by placing a wreath, told reporters that a memorial to the fire victims would be raised at Palakkarai in the town at a cost of Rs 60 lakh.

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