Over 20 devotees feared to be trapped after roof of an Indore temple collapses

Guwahati: The stepwell’s roof collapsed on Thursday afternoon, causing around 25 people to fall into it at a temple in Madhya Pradesh.

Reports state that the incident occurred at Shri Beleswar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple at around 12 p.m., when devotees were offering prayers on the occasion of Ram Navami and the temple was experiencing a massive influx of visitors.

Following the tragedy, senior police officers, including the police commissioner of Indore arrived at the spot and launched a rescue effort to extricate those who had fallen into the stepwell and transport them to a hospital for treatment.

Following the incident, the temple was promptly evacuated and a police squad was sent to prevent people from entering the area.

It has come to light that only eight individuals have so far been rescued and that 17 more may still be trapped.

Meanwhile, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan learned of the fatal accident and gave the Indore Collector and Indore Commissioner instructions to expedite their rescue effort.

Chief Minister’s Office in a statement wrote, “CMO is in constant touch with the Indore district administration. Top officers of Indore Police and district administration are at the spot. Efforts are being made to evacuate the devotees. Some people have also been rescued.”

“About 8 people have been evacuated from Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple and sent to the hospital. Administration including police, district administration, and SDRF were present on the spot. Several ambulances have been deployed.”

The prayers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been extended to all those impacted and their families.

PM Modi wrote, “Extremely pained by the mishap in Indore. Spoke to CM @ChouhanShivraj Ji and took an update on the situation. The State Government is spearheading rescue and relief work at a quick pace. My prayers with those affected and their families.”