Rajasthan: 15 dead, 50 injured as 'pandaal' collapses in Barmer; CM Ashok Gehlot announces Rs 5 lakh compensation

A Ram Katha was reportedly going on at Jasol in Barmer district, when the 'pandaal' which was sheltering the devotees, collapsed

Image: ANI

New Delhi: In a major mishap in Barmer District of Rajasthan,  at least 15 people are reported dead and about 50 others injured when a tent collapsed during a religious gathering in Balotra sub-division. The accident took place due to strong winds and heavy rains during a Ram Katha programme in Barmer district of Rajasthan on Sunday, police said. A 'Ram Katha' was organised at a school ground near Rani Bhatiyani temple in Jasol area of the district. The pandaal was uprooted by strong winds, trapping the people sitting under it, police said, adding hundreds of devotees were attending the programme. "At least 14 persons have died in the incident and about 50 are injured. Reasons of the deaths will be clear after postmortem," said Ratan Lal Bhargava, Additional Superintendent of Police of Balotara. He said the injured were rushed to different hospitals in the district. Those injured have been admitted in different government and private hospitals in Barmer and neighbouring Jodhpur district. Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the deceased while an aid of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to those injured. He also condoled the accident on Twitter:

जसोल,बाड़मेर में राम कथा के दौरान टेंट गिरने से हुए हादसे में बड़ी संख्या में लोगों की जान जाने की जानकारी अत्यंत दुखद, दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है।ईश्वर से दिवंगतों की आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करने,शोकाकुल परिजनों को सम्बल देने की प्रार्थना है। घायलों के शीघ्र स्वास्थ्य लाभ की कामना करता हूँ

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) June 23, 2019

He said that the local administration is undertaking a rescue and relief operation. Instructions have been given to the he concerned authorities to investigate the incident and provide immediate healthcare to those wounded.

स्थानीय प्रशासन द्वारा राहत एवं बचाव का कार्य किया जा रहा है। सम्बंधित अधिकारियों को हादसे की जांच करने, घायलों का शीघ्र उपचार सुनिश्चित करने तथा प्रभावितों एवं उनके परिजनों को हरसंभव सहायता उपलब्ध कराने के निर्देश दिए हैं। #Barmer #Rajasthan

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) June 23, 2019

A frantic scene was reported at a Balotra hospital where several injured persons have been admitted. A massive crowd was witnessed at the hospital. District collector and the Superintended of Police have reached the spot. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths, and wished for speedy recovery of those injured.

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: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 23, 2019

  News agency ANI shared the images of the accident: Image: ANI Image: ANI Image: ANI Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday expressed sadness over the death of 14 people at a religious programme in Barmer district of Rajasthan when a tent collapsed on the devotees. "The loss of lives in the accident in Jasol, Barmer, due to collapse of tents during Ram Katha is very sad and unfortunate. I pray to God for peace to the departed soul. I wish the injured speedy recovery," Gandhi tweeted.

जसोल,बाड़मेर में राम कथा के दौरान टेंट गिरने से हुए हादसे में बड़ी संख्या में लोगों की जान जाने की जानकारी अत्यंत दुखद, दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है।ईश्वर से दिवंगतों की आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करने,शोकाकुल परिजनों को सम्बल देने की प्रार्थना है।घायलों के शीघ्र स्वास्थ्य लाभ की कामना करता हूँ।

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 23, 2019