Kerala tragedy: Chinese prez, premier condole temple deaths

Beijing, Apr 12: China's top leadership, including President Xi Jinping, today expressed shock and grief over the deadly temple fire in Kerala that killed 109 people.

In a message of condolence to President Pranab Mukherjee, Xi said he was shocked to learn of the tragedy which left many people dead and many others injured in the explosions and fire due to fireworks at the temple near Kollam.

"At this moment of sadness, I would like to extend sincere condolences, on behalf of the government and the people of China and in my personal name, to the government of India and the people affected," Xi said.

"I am deeply saprmer ddened by the loss of lives and wish the injured recovery at an early date," he said, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

At least 109 people were killed and nearly 400 others were injured in the fire caused by festive fireworks at the Puttingal Devi temple on Sunday. Premier Li Keqiang too sent a similar condolence message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I'd like to extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and in my personal name, profound condolences to the victims and heartfelt sympathy to their families and those injured," Li said.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also sent a message of condolence to his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj over the tragedy. Wang said he was shocked to learn of the tragedy that left many people dead and many others injured in the fire.

"I'd like to express to Your Excellency, and through Your Excellency to the victims and those injured, my profound condolences and heartfelt sympathies," Wang said.

PTI