Temple floor collapse in India
Part of the floor of an ancient temple collapsed in a city in central India on Thursday, killing 13 people, officials said.
The earth, which was above a well used for religious rituals, gave way, and 25 believers who were in the temple at that time fell. Eleven people died on the spot and two are in hospital. The rest of the survivors were taken to the hospital.
The incident occurred in the city of Indore, Madhya Pradesh state, where a Hindu festival involving hundreds of people is taking place this week.
“Police have recovered 11 dead bodies from the well and two injured people succumbed to their injuries in hospital,” Madhya Pradesh home minister Narottam Mishra told reporters.
Mishra announced an investigation and said the families of the victims would receive compensation.
Police officer Manish Kapuria told AFP that rescue operations would continue until Thursday.
Temples across India are packed with devotees this week for the Ram Navami festival, which celebrates the birthday of the Hindu god Rama.
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