Rescue efforts took about two and a half hours
Credit: X
NEED TO KNOW
- At least five people were killed and 25 were injured when part of a temple under construction collapsed in Maharashtra, India, on June 20
- Worshipers had gathered for prayers and a community meal when the roof gave way
- Officials are investigating the cause, while the government has announced compensation for the victims’ families
At least five people were killed and at least 25 were injured when a temple collapsed on worshipers in India.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday, June 20, at the Yashwasi temple in Maharashtra's Parbhani district in the central part of the country, according to The Hindu and NDTV.
In a statement shared on X, Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said the deadly incident occurred when part of the roof, which was under construction, collapsed.
Credit: X
“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 those injured in the incident were receiving treatment.
Worshipers had gathered for weekly prayers and a community meal, according to The Hindu.
Rescue efforts took about two and a half hours, and the cause of the collapse is still under investigation, per the outlet.
Credit: X
The Parbhani Superintendent of Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment or for confirmation of the exact death toll.
CCTV footage of the incident shared on social media shows several dozen worshipers standing in the temple, which was encased in scaffolding. The structure suddenly collapsed, burying the people within.
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In a statement shared on X, India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, expressed his grief over the incident and extended his condolences to all those affected.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the wall collapse in Parbhani, Maharashtra,” he 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 announced that it will provide financial assistance to the families of those who died in the accident, according to a statement shared on X by Meghna Sakore Bordikar, Maharashtra's minister of state.
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