In Indore, a city in central India, authorities confirmed a devastating toll after a section of a Hindu temple floor gave way during the day, leaving at least 35 people dead. The incident occurred on a Thursday amid ongoing Rama Navami celebrations, a festival that drew many worshippers to the area. Among more than thirty people who plunged into the space below, 17 were rescued and transported to hospitals for urgent care. Local reports indicate the collapse was linked to heavy rainfall that had saturated the structure, contributing to the catastrophic failure, a detail repeatedly reported by NDTV and corroborated by regional officials.
Investigators and safety teams said a large concrete slab that formed part of the temple floor collapsed over a well approximately twelve meters deep, with the water level roughly three meters below the surface. Additional records obtained by investigators show that residents had previously alerted the private company responsible for the temple to the deteriorating condition of the facilities, signaling long-standing concerns about maintenance that may have contributed to the tragedy.
The timing of the collapse coincided with Rama Navami, drawing a substantial gathering of devotees who had come to observe the festival and offer prayers. The gathering amplified the impact of the disaster, prompting a swift response from emergency services and local authorities as rescuers worked through the debris to reach survivors and recover the injured. The event has prompted renewed discussions about safety inspections, building upkeep, and the accountability of private operators managing places of worship, especially those serving large crowds during religious holidays.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow for the loss of life and offered central government assistance to the state authorities in their relief efforts. In a post on social media, Modi conveyed his prayers for those affected and their families. He later spoke with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who was on the ground and coordinating relief measures, including financial assistance to families who have suffered casualties in the incident. The state government has pledged support to help cover immediate needs for the victims while regional agencies continue to manage the ongoing rescue and recovery operations, supported by national resources where required. The tragedy has prompted calls for accountability and timely action to ensure the safety of public spaces that host large crowds during major religious events, and for transparent investigations to determine the causes and prevent future occurrences.