The floor of a Hindu temple in India collapsed, killing 36 people, a local official announced on Friday, as rescue operations continue.
Dozens of worshipers were celebrating a major religious festival in the town of Indore on Thursday when the ground gave way and the victims fell into a well flanked by a ladder used in religious rituals.
“Thirty-five people died. One person is still missing. Rescue operations are underway”the city’s district judge, Ilayaraja T., told AFP by telephone.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that he “deeply regrets” the accident.
‘Government leads rescue and relief work at an accelerated pace’said Modi, who promised the families of the victims Rs 200,000 ($2,400) in compensation.
The interior minister of the state of Madhya Pradesh, where Indore is located, announced the opening of an investigation.
Police officer Manish Kaporiya told AFP that rescue operations continued and survivors were taken to hospital.
Television footage showed paramedics installing ropes and ladders to reach people trapped in the shaft. Temples across India were filled with worshipers for the Ram Navami festival, which celebrates the birthday of the Hindu god Rama.
Source: DN
