Maharashtra Temple Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 10 in Parbhani
A tragic incident occurred in Parbhani, Maharashtra, where a portion of the Yashwadi Maruti temple collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people and injuring several others. The collapse took place during a religious gathering, leading to chaos and panic among devotees.
Rescue Operations Underway
Immediately after the incident, local authorities and rescue teams rushed to the spot. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were deployed to assist in search and rescue operations. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Officials stated that the rescue operations are ongoing, and the death toll may rise as debris is cleared.
CM Fadnavis Expresses Grief
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep grief over the temple collapse. He announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured. The CM also directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured and ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
Political Reactions
Several political leaders, including opposition members, expressed condolences and called for a thorough investigation. They demanded compensation for the victims and strict action against those responsible for the structural failure. The state government assured full support to the affected families.
Background of the Temple
The Yashwadi Maruti temple is a historic shrine in Parbhani district, visited by thousands of devotees annually. The temple structure was old, and questions are being raised about its maintenance. Local residents claimed that the temple had shown signs of deterioration, but no timely action was taken.
Safety Concerns
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of old temples and public buildings in Maharashtra. Experts have called for a comprehensive structural audit of all heritage and religious structures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The state government has promised to take necessary steps.
As the rescue operations continue, the state administration is focused on providing relief to the victims and their families. The incident has sent shockwaves across the state, with people mourning the loss of lives in this unfortunate event.
