13 dead after stepwell collapses at temple in Indore, rescue operations on

Thirteen people lost their lives after a stepwell collapsed at the Shri Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple in Indore, Madhya Pradesh on Thursday. Around 19 people were initially rescued after the tragic accident which took place during Ram Navami celebrations.

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra said about the incident, “19 people were rescued. According to the latest information, 11 bodies were found - 10 women and one man. Of the 19 people who were rescued, two died. So a total of 13 of them died. An order was issued to investigate the incident."

The tragic accident took place during the Ram Navami celebrations. "A large number of people gathered on the roof of the ancient bavdi and it collapsed as it was unable to carry the load," an eyewitness was quoted as per reports. Rescue operation by NDRF and SDRF teams is currently underway.

 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said 10 people were rescued safely. "It is an unfortunate incident. A rescue operation is underway. 10 people have been rescued safely, while nine are trapped and will be rescued. Efforts are on to rescue more people," saidChouhan as per reports. Meanwhile, Home Minister Narrottam Mishra said he was in touch with district officials and was supervising the rescue operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy in the state. He tweeted, “Indore accident hurt him immensely. Spoke to CM @ChouhanShivraj Ji and informed about the situation.” Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the Madhya Pradesh administration is working to rescue those trapped in the well.