At least 35 people have died after falling in a well in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, while celebrating Ram Navami. Besides the dead, over a dozen others got injured after the covering of a temple wall fell and the people fell inside.
“We have rescued 18 people, 35 have been found dead and 16 are injured,” Ilayaraja T, Indore’s district magistrate told Reuters.
According to the officials, the devotees had gathered in the temple to celebrate the Ram Navami festival on Thursday. The incident took place during a prayer ceremony organised at Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal temple on the occasion of Ram Navami.
I am deeply pained upon learning about the mishap in Indore’s Beleshwar Mahadev Temple that took away multiple lives.
Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May the Almighty provide them with strength at this hour of grief.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 30, 2023
Reports also suggested that the rescue work started on Thursday after the cameras, set underwater, showed the bodies of people floating in the waters.
A team of over 140 rescuers used several pieces of equipment, including ropes and ladders to pull the bodies from the well, after pumping the water out of the well. Makrand Deoskar, local Police Commissioner confirmed that over a dozen people had fallen into the well and they were covered by the falling debris.
Credits – Times Of India
Reports also suggested that the temple authorities had stopped using the well and had left it covered with iron grills and tiles. The well has been covered for over 40 years.
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 all those affected and their families.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 30, 2023
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the unfortunate tragedy in Indore today. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2023
Chief Minister of the state, Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a compensation of Rs. 5,00,000 rupees to the family of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to those who are injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a compensation of Rs. 2,00,000 for the kin of the deceased.
