At least five people were killed and at least 25 others were injured after part of a temple collapsed on worshipers in India.
The tragedy happened Saturday, June 20, at the Yashwasi temple in Maharashtra’s Parbhani district, located in the central part of the country, according to local reports.
Officials said worshipers had gathered at the temple for weekly prayers and a community meal when part of the structure suddenly gave way.
Devendra Fadnavis, the chief minister of Maharashtra, said in a statement on X that the deadly collapse happened when part of the roof, which was under construction, came down.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to them,” Fadnavis said of those who lost their lives.
“We share in the grief of their families,” he continued, adding that the injured were receiving treatment.
CCTV footage shared on social media shows several dozen worshipers standing inside the temple moments before the collapse. The building appeared to be surrounded by scaffolding when the structure suddenly crumbled, burying people underneath.
Rescue crews rushed to the scene and worked for about two and a half hours, according to The Hindu.
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact death toll. Reports have placed the number of people killed at at least five, while some local reports said at least six people died.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the tragedy in a statement on X.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the wall collapse in Parbhani, Maharashtra,” Modi wrote. “My condolences are with those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured.”
The government has announced financial assistance for the families of those killed, according to a statement shared by Meghna Sakore Bordikar, Maharashtra’s minister of state.
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