Death toll in India temple collapse rises

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
31 Mar 2023 08:00

Dozens of worshippers commemorating a religious holiday jumped into the stepwell after the floor covering it collapsed.

Police officers hold the body of one of the dead worshippers after the incident. (AFP)

A local official said that the death toll from the floor collapse at a Hindu temple in India had increased to 35 on Friday while rescue efforts continued, as quoted by AFP.

In the central city of Indore, dozens of worshippers commemorating a religious holiday jumped into the stepwell after the floor covering it collapsed. It is worth noting that the stepwell is a stair-lined community water source.

"Thirty-five people are dead. One person is still missing. Rescue operations are on," Indore district magistrate Ilayaraja T. said as quoted by AFP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday he was "extremely pained" by news of the accident. "The state government is spearheading rescue and relief work at a quick pace," he added. "My prayers with all those affected and their families."

Modi's office claimed compensation payments of 200,000 rupees ($2,400) would be given to next-of-kin.

In further detail, Police official Manish Kapooriya said as quoted by AFP that rescue efforts are ongoing and that the injured were being transferred to government hospitals for treatment.

Emergency personnel was seen in television footage using ropes and ladders to reach people stuck in the Madhya Pradesh state well.

It is worth noting that in India, fatal accidents frequently occur at places of worship during important religious celebrations.