At least 35 people were killed and dozens more injured after a massive crowd of devotees fell into an underground stepwell at the Shri Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple, Indore in India. The accident occurred on Thursday, March 30 during a religious gathering attended by hundreds of people from nearby villages. An estimated 300 to 350 people had gathered around the stepwell when it collapsed, according to local officials. At least 35 people reportedly died as a result of their injuries or drowning from falling into the water below, while another 50 are being treated for various injuries sustained in the collapse. Emergency services have been deployed to help search for survivors who may still be trapped in the rubble. This tragic incident is yet another reminder of how quickly disaster can strike without warning, and highlights just how important safety measures must be observed even during traditional festivals and gatherings where large numbers may congregate.
Thursday was Rama Navami is an important part of Hinduism, as it marks the birthday of Lord Ram and symbolizes his victory over evil.
The incident has highlighted the risk of children playing in stepwells, which are often located near residential areas and can become deep during monsoon season. “We will launch an awareness campaign to educate people about the dangers of stepwells,” said Mishra. He also promised aid for families of those killed and injured, including financial assistance from the government and compensation from private companies operating in the vicinity. The tragedy has sparked a wave of grief across India with many taking to social media to send their thoughts and prayers to those affected.
It is still unknown how the structure collapsed, but initial reports suggest that a portion of the wall might have caved in as heavy rains lashed the area over the past few days. Many people are believed to be trapped under rubble and rescue teams have been working tirelessly to save lives. Rescuers used shovels, pickaxes and other tools to remove debris from the site while using loudspeakers to call out for anyone who may be stuck inside. The operation has become increasingly difficult, with rescuers having difficulty locating those who are buried due to lack of light; however, local authorities remain committed to finding any survivors amid these trying circumstances.
People were seen being lowered down from above with ropes as some rescuers crawled inside the dark crevices looking for survivors. In addition to rescue staff, local volunteers also joined in helping people out of their precarious situation. Eventually all those trapped underground were brought safely back up to ground level where they received medical treatment by waiting ambulances and then taken away for further check-ups at nearby hospitals; thankfully no fatalities have been reported so far due to this tragedy.