New Delhi, India(CNN) At least 35 people died on Thursday after falling down a stepwell at a Hindu temple in central India after its cover collapsed, according to local officials.
The incident took place at the Shri Beleshwar Mahadev Jhuelal Temple in the city of Indore, in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The stepwell cover collapsed “due to the heavy load” on top, according to state chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra initially said on Thursday that 19 people had been rescued from the stepwell, although two later died. Water was pumped from the stepwell to aid rescue efforts, he added. Stepwells are large wells or reservoirs with steps that descend to the water level.
Later in the evening, senior district official Ilayaraja T told reporters that they had recovered 35 bodies, with one person missing and 16 injured.
“There is a lot of silt. Once we do the de-silting, we will do a search phase,” he said. The army, as well as federal and state disaster response teams, are involved in the rescue.
“Despite all efforts, we could not save many lives,” Chouhan said, adding that he had ordered an investigation into the incident.
Videos and pictures of the rescue operation show a large, gaping hole in the ground beneath the temple, with people climbing a ladder to the top and authorities feeding ropes. A metal structure of cables can be seen hanging over the edge, as if lost; outside, anxious crowds gathered outside the temple, with authorities carrying the injured on stretchers.
A victim is taken in an ambulance in Indore, India, on March 30.
Thursday is Rama Navami, a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ram, which is often marked by devotees visiting temples and performing religious chants.
Photos from the temple in Indore show items scattered on the floor near the hole, including candles, offerings and sweets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims and their families on Thursday, tweeting that he was “deeply hurt” by the incident. “The State Government is leading the rescue and relief efforts,” he said.
The injured and families of the dead will receive compensation from the government, Chouhan said.
CNN’s Rhea Mogul contributed reporting.
