Samikhsya Bureau
At least 14 people died and more than 50 were injured when a tent collapsed during a religious congregation at Jasol village in Balotra city of Rajasthan’s Barmer district on Sunday.
According to sources, hundreds of devotees had gathered to hear the ‘ Ram Katha’ (story of Lord Ram) held at Mata Rani Bhatiyani Temple in Jasol. The tent, under which they had congregated, collapsed after a storm and heavy downpour swept the area. The tent came in contact with electric current, leading to death of 14 people and injuries to more than 50.
Eyewitnesses said that due to the strong wind the tent first got uprooted, hovered for around several seconds and collapsed to the ground enveloping the crowd inside. Murlidhar Maharaj, who was reciting the Ram Katha, stopped his discourse and asked the people to leave the spot as the tent started collapsing. But as the people started to run, the tent collapsed causing stampede.
NDTV quoted sources as saying that the generator at the venue may have caused electrocution of several people trapped inside the tent. Many locals who rushed to rescue the devotees reportedly felt electric current in the tent.
The officials of district administration and police rushed to the spot and carried out relief works. The injured have been admitted to Nahta hospital.
Rani Bhatiyani Mandir Sansthan had organised the Ram Khatha, which started from Saturday and was supposed to continue till June 30.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah and Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot condoled the loss of lives.
“Collapse of a ‘Pandaal’ in Rajasthan’s Barmer is unfortunate. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and I wish the injured a quick recovery,” Modi said in a Twitter post.
In a tweet, Shah said, “Pained to know about the loss of lives due to collapse of a Pandaal in Barmer, Rajasthan. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly.”
Chief minister Gehlot tweeted: “Saddened by the sudden death of so many people due to the unfortunate incident of tent collapse in Jasol, Barmer. I pray to God to give peace to the souls of those who died and strength to the bereaved families, while wishing a speedy recovery of the injured. The district administration is carrying out the relief and rescue work. I have directed the concerned officials to provide treatment to the injured and all possible assistance to the affected families. The district officials have been directed to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident.”
