Rajasthan: At least 14 dead and over 50 injured as tent collapses in Barmer
Barmer tent collapse
At least 14 people died and more than 50 were injured when a tent collapsed during a religious congregation at Jasol village in Balotra city of Rajasthan's Barmer district on Sunday.
According to sources, hundreds of devotees had gathered to hear Katha (religious story). The tent, under which they had congregated, collapsed after a storm and heavy downpour swept the area.
The tent came in contact with current, leading to the death of 14 people and injuries to more than 50.
Eyewitnesses claimed that the tent got uprooted due to the winds and hovered for a few seconds in the air before collapsing.
Murlidhar Maharaj, who was leading the 'Ram Katha', stopped midway and asked people to leave as the pandal started to collapse. He scurried from the stage within seconds as the structure came down, leading to a stampede-like situation, they said.
No immediate information was available about the condition of Maharaj.
A shopkeeper said locals who rushed to rescue the victims felt current in the structure of the pandal. However, they rescued those trapped inside and took them to hospitals in private vehicles and mini-vans.
The programme was organised by Rani Bhatiyani Mandir Sansthan. It started on Saturday and was about to continue till June 30.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the incident.
"Collapse of a 'Pandaal' in Rajasthan's Barmer is unfortunate. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and I wish the injured a quick recovery," the Prime Minister's Office quoted him as saying in a tweet.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed grief over the incident. He met senior government officials in Jaipur and took stock of the situation.
He said rescue operations were being carried out by the district administration. He also directed officials to ensure proper relief works and treatment of those injured.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Chaudhary, who is the local MP, said he was leaving for Barmer from Delhi to meet the families of the victims and the injured.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condoled the deaths in the incident.
Religious programmes to celebrate Lord Ram's life and ideals through stories related to him, known as 'Ram Katha', are common in several parts of the country.
(With inputs from PTI)