Sangli temple wall collapse: Six devotees killed, several injured; PM Modi expresses grief

In a tragic incident, at least six devotees were killed and several others sustained injuries after a temple wall collapsed in Maharashtra’s Sangli on Tuesday, police said.

According to the police, a large number of devotees had gathered in the Motwadi area of Sangli to attend a religious ceremony dedicated to Goddess Murgubai.

Advertisement

Around 5 PM in the evening, heavy rains, accompanied by gusty winds, lashed the area, prompting devotees to take shelter at a nearby construction site.

The strong winds tore off a large metal sheet roof, which fell onto a stone wall that collapsed on the devotees who had taken shelter beneath it.

While six people were killed on the spot, around 10-12 others were injured in the incident.

Upon receiving the information, the police were rushed to the spot and the injured were taken to the hospital for treatment.

“Strong winds tore off a large metal sheet roof (shed), which fell directly onto the stone wall; as a result, the wall collapsed on the devotees who had taken shelter beneath it. 6 people died on the spot, while 10 to 12 others were injured. The injured have been admitted to the Jat Rural Hospital for treatment,” Jat police station said in a statement.

PM Modi expresses grief

Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was “deeply pained” and expressed his condolences.

“Deeply pained to hear the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Sangli, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this sad hour. May the injured recover at the earliest,” PM Modi said.