Indore: Death toll rises to 35 in temple stepwell collapse

A total of 35 people died, one missing and 14 people have been rescued.

"The search operation to trace persons reported missing is underway," Indore Collector told UNI.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Home Minister Narottam Mishra reached Indore from Bhopal by a special aircraft in the morning. They will also visit the spot and take stock of the situation. He will also visit the hospital to enquire about the condition of the injured. At least a dozen injured are hospitalised here.

According to official sources, till late last night, the bodies of 35 people had been pulled out of the well. The number of bodies in the relief and rescue operations that continued throughout the night and till morning rose to 13. The dead include women and children. Some more people are feared trapped and relief and rescue work is being carried out along with emptying the water of bawdi.

On the occasion of Ram Navami, prayers were being offered at the Beleshwar Mahadev temple located in a private colony. There was an old bawdi in the temple premises. It was covered with a roof. Devotees used to walk on it. Many people were standing on it during the worship yesterday.

Then this roof fell into the bawdi at around 35 o'clock in the day. After this, there was an outcry on the spot. Relief and rescue operations were started in the afternoon with the help of ropes etc.

The Chief Minister has ordered an inquiry into the incident. The Collector has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the entire matter.

(With UNI inputs)