Parbhani, 20 June (HS): A piece of an under-construction

assembly hall at a Hanuman temple in Yashwadi village in Maharashtra's Parbhani

district fell on Saturday, injuring many devotees and raising concerns that

more people may be trapped beneath the wreckage.

On Saturday afternoon, the roof of an under-construction

Hanuman temple fell during a religious function in Yashwadi, Manavat taluka,

Parbhani district, killing at least seven worshipers and injuring 30 others. The

injured are being treated at many hospitals. Manwat tehsildar Pandurang

Mochewad stated that around six injured devotees are in severe condition. The

rescue workers arrived quickly and extracted the trapped devotees using

synchronized efforts, he added. Meghana Bordikar, Guardian Minister of Parbhani

district, stated that the injured and victims' families will receive all

required financial help.

According to preliminary reports, a big crowd of devotees

had gathered at the temple since the morning for darshan, since Saturdays are

traditionally busier at Hanuman temples. During the rush, a part of the roof

and a supporting pillar of the assembly hall under construction collapsed,

tumbling upon devotees below and sparking panic on the scene. At least eight to

ten persons were allegedly seriously injured in the event and were sent to

surrounding hospitals for treatment.

Meanwhile, rescue workers and local officials have begun

attempts to clean the rubble. Initial reports indicated that fatalities might

have occurred, although officials have not to confirm any deaths at the time of

reporting. The gathering hall had apparently been under construction for some

days. The collapse event has generated major questions about the quality of

construction and adherence to safety standards at the site. Authorities are

continuing to conduct rescue efforts until further information about the

specific cause of the collapse and the number of individuals impacted is

gathered. More information is awaited.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed

condolence in a post on X and stated, “In a tragic incident in Yashwadi,

Parbhani district, part of the roof under construction at the Hanuman temple

collapsed, resulting in the deaths of some devotees. I offer my heartfelt

condolences to them. We share in the grief of their families. The injured in

this incident are receiving treatment. Local administration officials are at

the scene, and relief and rescue operations are also underway swiftly.”

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi