Indore temple stepwell collapse: 13 people dead, 19 rescued

Police and locals were trying to rescue people trapped in a collapsed stepwell at a temple in Indore.

At least 13 people died and 19 others were rescued after the roof of an ancient ‘bavdi’ (a large well) situated in Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Indore collapsed during the Ram Navami festival, an official said.

A total of 18 people have been rescued and seven are still trapped

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, according to PTI report.

In a video shared by news agency ANI, police and locals were seen trying to rescue the devotees trapped in the collapsed stepwell.

Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan took cognizance of the incident and instructed local authorities to speed up the rescue operation, according to his office. He has also announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased, and ₹50,000 each to the injured.

“We are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Proper arrangements have been made for the treatment of the injured, the entire medical expenses will be borne by the state government,” CM Chouhan said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish at the mishap. "Extremely pained by the mishap in Indore. Spoke to CM Shivraj Chouhan 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," he tweeted.

(More details awaited)