An under-construction Hanuman temple in Parbhani district turned into a death trap on Saturday afternoon when its roof suddenly collapsed, killing five people and injuring 18 others. The incident occurred at Yashwadi in Manavat taluka around 1:30 pm, even as devotees were visiting the temple before its structural completion.
Collapse Details and Casualties
The sanctum sanctorum of the temple was ready, but the outer structure was still under construction. Heavy marble blocks used for the roof and adjoining structures suddenly gave way, according to Parbhani collector Sanjaysinh Chavan. The deceased have been identified as Sanotsh Gadade, Akash Surdose, Numesh Agrawal, and Suraj Kopratkar, all residents of Parbhani district, as well as Shrikrushna Gaware, a resident of Chinchwadgaon in Beed district.
Possible Construction Lapses
Local residents pointed to possible lapses in construction. “Wooden scaffolding was used instead of metal. It had weakened over time. That may have caused the collapse. The contractor must be held responsible,” a resident said. The use of wooden scaffolding instead of metal may have contributed to the structural failure.
Rescue and Response
Rescue teams rushed to the site with five heavy machines and around 50 ambulances. “Many devotees were trapped under the debris. Rescue workers pulled them out and shifted all injured to nearby hospitals,” said Manwat tehsildar Pandurang Mochewad. CCTV footage of the accident circulated widely on social media, drawing large crowds and forcing police to step in for crowd control.
Official Actions and Inquiries
Parbhani collector Sanjaysinh Chavan ordered a structural audit and an official inquiry, and banned further entry into the temple. Parbhani guardian minister Meghana Bordikar said the injured were under close medical supervision. “An official inquiry will establish the cause. The temple was opened to devotees on local request despite ongoing construction. We will ensure the remaining work is completed soon,” she said.
Government Condolences and Compensation
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief. “The loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Parbhani, Maharashtra, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones in this mishap. May the injured recover at the earliest,” the PMO said in a post on X.
