At least seven people were confirmed dead and 50 others were injured after a wooden structure collapsed under the weight of the people during a religious event in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh on Monday. The incident took place during a programme organised for the 'Abhishek' of Lord Adinath at Shri Digambar Jain Degree College ground on Gandhi Road in Baraut city, near Baghpat.
The Jain community's event was part of Moksha Kalyanak Nirvana Mahotsav under the aegis of Shri 1008 Adinath Bhaktaambar Prachar. The annual event has been held for the last 30 years. A 65-foot temporary stage was made with wood that collapsed and the devotees on the stage and standing near it fell.
District Magistrate Asmita Lal, the injured were taken to a hospital where 20 of them were discharged after first aid and the remaining are undergoing treatment.
Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya said permission was taken for the programme by the organisers.
"We are probing the incident," he said.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the officials to immediately reach the spot and expedite the relief work. He gave instructions for proper treatment of the injured. "Along with this, he also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured," the Chief Minister's Office said.
Stampede-Like Situation After Stage Collapsed
Panic gripped the area after the incident resulting in a stampede-like situation. Police personnel rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control.
Some people claimed that the injured could not get immediate medical assistance and had to be taken to hospital in e-rickshaws as there were ambulances available.