14 killed in Indore temple tragedy, President, PM express grief

At least 14 people were killed and 19 were rescued after the roof of a stepwell collapsed at a temple while Ram Navami celebrations were underway in Madhya Pradesh's Indore on Thursday. Earlier, it was reported that around 25 were trapped when the incident took place in Indore's Shri Bileshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple, Sneh Nagar area of the city.

The roof of an ancient 'bavdi' (a large stepwell) situated in a temple collapsed during Ram Navami festival following which nearly 25 persons are feared to have fallen inside, reported PTI citing eyewitnesses.

A rescue operation has been launched to save those feared trapped, an official said. Visuals from the spot showed locals, rescue teams and police personnel carrying a rescue operation to pull out those trapped.

Stepwells are wells or ponds with a long corridor of steps that descend to the water level.

An eyewitness said that a large number of people had gathered on the roof of the ancient bavdi and it caved in as it was unable to bear the load.

Taking note of the accident, state Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has instructed Indore District Collector to speed up the rescue operations. The Chief Minister's Office also is in constant touch with the Indore district administration.

Top officers of Indore Police as well as the district administration are present at the spot. Efforts are being made to evacuate the devotees.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended prayers to all those affected and their families by the Indore temple mishap.

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi wrote,''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.''

President Draupadi Murmu also condoled the death of people in stepwell collapse at Indore temple in Madhya Pradesh. In a tweet, Murmu expressed deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. She wished speedy recovery to the injured.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also tweeted his condolences to the bereaved families.

On the other hand, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 5 lakh to be given to next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 would be given to the injured. Besides, free treatment arrangements will be made for the injured.