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:
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.
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.
News agency ANI shared the images of the accident:
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.