Temple floor collapses in India
Part of the floor of an ancient temple collapsed in a city in central India on Thursday, killing 13 people, officials said.
The ground over a well used for religious rituals gave way, and 25 of the worshipers who were in the temple at the time fell. Eleven people died instantly, two in hospital. The rest of the survivors are hospitalized.
The accident happened in the city of Indore, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, where a Hindu festival is taking place this week, attended by hundreds of people.
“Police recovered 11 bodies from the well and two wounded succumbed to their injuries in hospital,” Madhya Pradesh Interior Minister Narottam Mishra told reporters.
1 of 1 Open hole in a temple in Indore, India, during a Hindu festival, March 30, 2023. — Photo: AP Open hole in a temple in Indore, India, during a Hindu festival, on March 30, 2023. — Photo: AP
Mishra announced an investigation had been launched and said victims’ families would receive compensation.
Police officer Manish Kaporiya told AFP that the rescue operations would continue until Thursday.
Temples across India are packed with worshipers this week for the Ram Navami Festival, which celebrates the birthday of the Hindu deity Rama.