The death toll from the ground collapse of a Hindu temple in India rose to 35 on Friday, but rescue operations are still ongoing, a local official told AFP.
Dozens of worshipers fell into a bâoli, a stepped well used for religious rituals, Thursday when the floor of the temple that covered it gave way under their weight.
The accident happened in the city of Indore in the central state of Madhya Pradesh.
“Thirty-five people died. One person is still missing. Relief operations continue,” Ilayaraja T, Indore District Magistrate, told AFP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday he was “extremely saddened” by the tragedy.
“The government is carrying out rescue and relief efforts at a steady pace,” he added. “My prayers go out to all those affected and their families.”
Relatives of the victims will receive 200,000 rupees (US$2,500) in compensation, Mr Modi’s office said.
An investigation into the accident has been launched, Madhya Pradesh Interior Minister Narottam Mishra confirmed to the press.
Police officer Manish Kapooriya told AFP rescue operations were continuing while survivors were taken to hospital.
Television footage showed rescuers putting up ropes and ladders to reach people trapped in the well.
Temples across India were packed with devotees to mark the Ram Navami Festival, which celebrates the birthday of the Hindu deity Rama.
In India, fatal accidents are common in places of worship during religious festivals.
In 2016, at least 112 people died when an explosion at a fireworks warehouse sparked a massive fire near a Hindu temple in the state of Kerala.
Three years earlier, 115 Hindu devotees died after a mob on a bridge near a temple in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The rush had come after a rumor the bridge had collapsed as 400,000 people gathered in the area.