Indian temple well collapse traps devotees in Madhya Pradesh

At least 35 worshippers have died and more than a dozen rescued after the floor of a Hindu temple collapsed, plunging them into a well.

Scores of devotees fell into the ancient step well in Indore in central Madhya Pradesh after the floor they were standing on that doubled as the well’s roof caved in.

The floor is believed to have collapsed under the weight of the worshippers gathered for Ram Navami celebrations.

Teams of police, firefighters, divers and emergency workers were at the site, authorities said.

The state’s Home Minister Narottam Mishra said those rescued were undergoing treatment in a hospital.

He ordered an investigation into the incident and announced compensation for the family of those killed and injured.

Footage on television news channels showed emergency workers using ropes and ladders to reach those trapped in the well.

Videos on social media showed the chaos as people screamed for help for those trapped.

Tens of millions of Hindus celebrated Ram Navami to mark birth of deity Ram on Thursday.

Building collapses are common in India because of poor construction and a failure to observe regulations.

In October, a century-old cable suspension bridge, built over the Machchhu river in the western state of Gujarat, collapsed sending hundreds of people plunging into the water. At least 132 were killed.

Updated: March 31, 2023, 5:17 AM