Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the deaths in an accident in Madhya Pradesh's Indore on Saturday, in which the roof of a stepwell collapsed during a 'hawan' (fire ritual) on the occasion of Ram Navami at a temple. He made his statement during his visit to the state at an event where he flagged off Bhopal-New Delhi Vande Bharat train.
At least 35 people were killed in the accident at the Shri Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple.
Earlier, PM Modi spoke with state chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to assess the situation.
PM Modi stated on Twitter, "Extremely pained by the mishap in Indore. Spoke to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and took an update on the situation. The State Government is spearheading rescue and relief work at a quick pace. My prayers are with all those affected and their families." PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for victims of the Indore mishap.
"An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the unfortunate tragedy in Indore today. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000:" the PMO responded via Twitter.
The rescue operation is depicted in videos and images as a large, gaping hole in the ground beneath the temple, with people climbing up a ladder to the surface and authorities feeding ropes down. Outside, anxious crowds gathered outside the temple, with authorities carrying out the injured on stretchers; a metal wiring structure can be seen hanging off the edge, appearing to have given way.
Thursday was Rama Navami, a Hindu festival commemorating Lord Ram's birth, which is often marked by devotees visiting temples and singing religious chants or songs.
Photos from the Indore temple show candles, offerings, and sweets scattered on the floor near the hole.