NEW DELHI: More than 70 people were killed in a massive fire that broke out in a temple in the southern Indian state of Kerala early Sunday, a top official said.

Another 200 have been injured after people became trapped by flames in the crowded Paravoor temple in Kollam city during a major festival, said State Home Minister Ramesh Chennitala.

The fire started when a spark during a fireworks display ignited a separate batch of fireworks that had been stored in the temple in preparation for the Hindu new year festival called Vishu this coming Thursday, he said.

The stored fireworks erupted in a big explosion.

At least 60 feared dead in Kerala temple fire: TV

More than 200 people were injured and at least 60 were feared dead after a fire broke out at a temple in Kerala early on Sunday, TV news channels reported, quoting officials.

Fireworks during the Hindu new year celebrations probably caused the fire, state home minister Ramesh Chennithala told Times Now.

Hundreds of people had gathered at the temple in Kollam district for the fireworks display.