At least five people were killed and several others injured when the roof of an under-construction temple collapsed in Maharashtra's Parbhani district on Saturday. The incident took place at Yashwadi in Manavat taluka, where devotees had gathered for a religious event.
Details of the collapse
According to officials, the structure was under construction and gave way suddenly, trapping several people under the debris. Rescue operations were launched immediately, with local police and disaster response teams working to pull out the injured. Visuals from the spot showed a large crowd gathered as rescue efforts continued.
Government response
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives. He also directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.
“The government stands with the affected families. We are monitoring the situation closely,” Fadnavis said in a statement.
Investigation underway
Authorities have ordered an inquiry into the collapse to determine if there were any lapses in construction safety. Preliminary reports suggest the structure may have been weakened due to recent rains, but a detailed investigation will be conducted.
The injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals, with some in critical condition. Police have registered a case and are questioning the temple management and contractors.
The tragic incident has cast a pall of gloom over the region, with locals demanding strict action against those responsible for the negligence.
