Monday 31 / March / 2025
New Delhi: At least 14 people were killed and over 50 injured on Sunday after a makeshift tent collapsed during a religious gathering in India's state of Rajasthan, officials said.
The makeshift tent collapsed during dust storm at Rani Bhatiyani temple, Jasol in Barmer district, about 452 km west of Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan.
"A tent collapsed here this evening during a dust storm. We are being told 14 people were killed and over 50 people injured in the tragedy," an official posted in Barmer said. "All the injured have been rushed to nearest hospitals in Balotra and Jodhpur."
Following the storm, heavy rains lashed the area. Additionally, after the storm a live wire snapped and electrocuted several people.
According to officials the people had gathered for a religious event.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condlences, tweeting, "Collapse of a ‘Pandaal’ (tent) in Rajasthan’s Barmer is unfortunate. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and I wish the injured a quick recovery."
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot called the loss of lives unfortunate and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Gehlot said he hadordered officials to rush to the spot to carry out rescue work.
"Relief and rescue work is being carried out by the local administration," Gehlot said. "The concerned authorities have been instructed to investigate the incident, ensure speedy treatment of the injured and provide all possible assistance to the affected and their families."
