13 dead as roof of stepwell collapses in Indian temple

By Shuriah Niazi

NEW DELHI (AA) – At least 13 people were killed after the roof of a stepwell in a temple caved in in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday.

The incident took place in Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple in Indore, as a huge crowd gathered to celebrate the Hindu festival of Ram Navami.

Madhya Pradesh’s Home Minister Narottam Mishra told reporters that 13 people died in this tragic incident.

“Eleven bodies, including 10 women and one man, have been recovered, while 19 people have been rescued from the site. Two of the rescued people died in hospital,” said Mishra, adding that a probe has been launched.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a compensation of Rs500,000 ($6,000) for the kin of the deceased and Rs50,000 ($600) for those injured each, said a statement by the state government.

Expressing condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Extremely pained by the mishap in Indore. Spoke to CM and took an update on the situation. The state government is spearheading rescue and relief work at a quick pace. My prayers (are) with all those affected and their families."