Tragedy struck a small village in Maharashtra when the roof of an under-construction assembly hall at a Hanuman temple suddenly collapsed on Saturday afternoon, crushing devotees who had gathered for prayers.
At least five people were killed and 18 others injured in the devastating incident at Shrikshetra Yashwadi Devsthan in Yashwadi village, Manwat taluka, Parbhani district. Some reports put the death toll higher, with fears that more victims could still be discovered.
The collapse happened around 3:30 pm local time, a particularly busy period as Saturdays are considered especially sacred for Lord Hanuman, drawing large crowds of worshippers for darshan and devotional programmes.
Shocking CCTV footage from inside the temple premises shows the horrifying moment disaster struck. Devotees can be seen peacefully praying with folded hands, while others prepare ritual items near cooking vessels and offerings. Bamboo scaffolding is clearly visible, supporting the unfinished structure.
Seconds later, the roof gives way without warning. A massive cloud of dust and debris engulfs the scene as panicked figures scramble for safety. The camera shakes violently before visibility is almost completely lost in the thick dust.
Rescue teams, including police and district administration officials, rushed to the scene and launched a major operation to pull survivors from the rubble. Initial fears that 30 to 40 people were trapped were later eased as most were accounted for, though several remain in a critical condition in the hospital.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences to the grieving families and announced immediate financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh (around £4,500) for the families of those killed, along with free medical treatment for the injured. He has also ordered a thorough inquiry into the collapse and potential lapses in construction safety standards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences, with officials confirming support for the affected families.
The incident has raised serious questions about why large numbers of devotees were allowed inside an under-construction area of the temple, and whether proper safety measures were in place during the building work.
Local officials confirmed that a section of the roof of the sabha-mandap (outer assembly hall), which was still under construction in front of the sanctum sanctorum, gave way suddenly.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the roof came crashing down without warning on the unsuspecting worshippers below.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many families now mourning loved ones who had simply gone to the temple for a peaceful Saturday afternoon of prayer.
