Seven people were killed while 37 were injured after a tree fell on a tin shed under which people were standing in a temple premises following heavy wind and rains in Maharashtra’s Akola district, said the officials on Monday. As per Akola collector Nima Arora, the incident took place at around 7.30 pm on Sunday at Babuji Maharaj temple located in Paras village under Balapur taluka when the people had gathered for the 'maha aarti, reported PTI.
A 100-year old tree fell on a tin shed under which around 40 people were standing due to the heavy rains and winds, said the district administration.
Two men aged 55, one 35 years old and two women aged 50 and 55 were among the deceased while two other men were yet to be identified.
After receiving information, police and district disaster management authorities rushed the spot and started the rescue operation, an official said.
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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister termed the incident as “very serious and unfortunate” and expressed his grief over the loss of lives.
Seven people were killed and 37 others injured, Fadnavis said, adding that he has given directions for an inquiry into the incident.
“Our condolences are with the families. At night I was in touch with the Collector,” Fadnavis said, adding that all the expenses for the treatment of the injured will be borne by the state government.
Help will be given from the Chief Minister's Assistance Fund after talking to the Chief Minister. An inquiry into the entire incident has been ordered, Fadnavis added.
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The government will provide compensation to the families of the deceased, the deputy CM said.
The district authorities said families of each of the deceased will be given a compensation of Rs 4 lakh and the injured persons will be given monetary assistance as per government rules, stated the PTI report.