The flooring of a Hindu temple in central India gave way on Thursday, causing at least 35 people to fall into a step-well, where they perished.

The occurrence occurred at Indore, the state capital of Madhya Pradesh, near the Shri Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the state's chief minister, said the step-wells covering had fallen "due to the huge load" on top.

When two persons eventually passed away, Madhya Pradesh's home minister Narottam Mishra initially claimed that 19 people had been saved from the step-well on Thursday.


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He stated that water was being pumped out of the step-well to aid rescue operations. Large wells or reservoirs with steps leading down to the water's surface are called step wells.

Later that evening, Ilayaraja T, a top district administrator, told reporters that 35 bodies had been found, one person was still missing, and 16 people had been hurt.

A lot of silt is present. We will conduct additional searches after we finish the de-silting, he said. The army is helping with the rescue and federal and state emergency response organizations.

Chouhan stated, "Despite all attempts, we were unable to rescue many lives. I have mandated an investigation into the situation."


Footage and pictures from the rescue effort show a sizable gaping hole beneath the temple, with people scaling a ladder to the top and rescue workers lowering ropes.

The edge of a metal wiring structure can be seen hanging off, perhaps giving way. Worried crowds have gathered, and emergency personnel are bringing injured people out of the temple on stretchers.

Rama Navami, a Hindu holiday commemorating the birth of Lord Ram, was celebrated on Thursday. At this time, worshippers frequently visit temples and sing or chant in devotion.

Images from the Indore temple show lights, offerings, and sweets lying on the ground beside the hole.


On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he was "deeply grieved" by the incident and offered his sympathies to the victims and their families.

The State Government is accelerating the relief and rescue efforts, he claimed.

According to Chouhan, injured people and the families of the deceased will receive compensation.