March 31, 2023, 9:52 AM
March 31, 2023, 9:52 AM
The balance of deaths after the collapse of the floor of a Hindu temple in India rose this Friday to 36 people, after rescue teams found the last person who was missing, informed the police.
Dozens of worshipers were celebrating a large religious festival in the city of Indore on Thursday when the ground gave way and they fell into a pit surrounded by ladders used in religious rituals.
“Seventeen people were rescued yesterday (Thursday). 36 bodies were recovered,” Manish Kapooria, a police officer, told AFP.
On the floor there were women, children and a baby 18-month-old who fell into a 7.5-meter-deep well, the Times of India reported.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday he was “extremely saddened” by the accident. “My prayers are with all those affected and their families,” he added.
Modi promised compensation of Rs 200,000 (2,400 dollars) to the next of kin of the victims.
The home minister of the state of Madhya Pradesh, where Indore is located, said that an investigation was opened about the causes of the accident.
Temples across India were overflowing with worshipers for the Rama Navami festival, which celebrates the anniversary of the Hindu deity Rama.
