Two women are among four dead after more than 30 people fell into a stepwell at an Indore temple in Madhya Pradesh state of India on Thursday morning. The roof of the well, which housed the shrine, had collapsed due to heavy footfall on the occasion of Ram Navami.
Seventeen people have been rescued and many of them were hospitalized as rescue work at Beleshwar Mahadev temple continues.
The deaths were confirmed by Indore police chief Makarand Deuskar.
The incident at Beleshwar Mahadev temple took place amid a rush of devotees on Ram Navami. Visuals from the spot indicate that the floor of the temple caved in owing to heavy footfall, throwing people into the well. The videos showed devotees being brought out using ropes and ladders.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said efforts are on to move the others to safety. "It is an unfortunate incident but the rescue operation is underway," he said earlier.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concern over the incident. "Extremely pained by the mishap in Indore. Spoke to CM @ChouhanShivraj Ji and took an update on the situation. The State Government is spearheading rescue and relief work at a quick pace. My prayers with all those affected and their families," he tweeted.
Indore collector T Raja earlier said rescue work is on and the administration is closely monitoring the situation.
Source: NDTV