At least five people lost their lives and several others were injured after a portion of an under-construction assembly hall at a Hanuman temple collapsed in Maharashtra’s Parbhani district on Saturday.
According to officials, nearly 30 to 40 devotees were trapped under the debris when a section of the roof and a supporting pillar suddenly gave way during a crowded temple gathering. The incident occurred on a Saturday, a day that typically sees a large number of devotees visiting Hanuman temples for prayers and darshan.
Eyewitnesses said that hundreds of pilgrims had assembled at the temple since morning. During the rush, a part of the assembly hall, which was still under construction, collapsed without warning, triggering panic and chaos across the premises.
Rescue teams, local authorities, police personnel, and emergency services immediately rushed to the site and launched an extensive operation to remove debris and rescue those trapped underneath. Several injured devotees were shifted to nearby hospitals, where some are reported to be in critical condition.
Initial reports indicate that at least eight to ten people suffered serious injuries. Authorities fear the casualty count could rise as rescue efforts continue and more victims may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
The exact cause of the collapse remains unknown. However, the incident has raised serious questions regarding construction quality, safety standards, and adherence to engineering guidelines at the site. Officials have ordered an investigation to determine whether negligence or structural flaws contributed to the tragedy.
Visuals from the scene showed rescue personnel and local residents working together to clear debris in a desperate effort to locate survivors. The temple complex was crowded at the time of the accident, making rescue operations more challenging.
Authorities have assured that a detailed inquiry will be conducted and strict action will be taken if any lapses are found. Meanwhile, district administration officials continue to monitor the situation as rescue and relief operations remain underway.
Further details are awaited.