Seven people died and about 60 were injured after a temporary wooden structure collapsed at a religious event in Baraut city of this district on Tuesday, officials said.
The accident occurred around 8 am during an event organized for the ‘Abhishek’ of Lord Adinath at Shri Digambar Jain Degree College grounds in Baraut city, about 20 km from Baghpat. The programme was part of the Moksha Kalyanak Nirvana Mahotsav conducted under the Shri 1008 Adinath Bhaktaambar Prachar.
The collapse happened when the wooden stairs of a 65-foot temporary stage in the Maanstambh Complex gave way, causing devotees on and near the stage to fall, police said. District Magistrate Asmita Lal confirmed that 20 injured individuals were discharged after receiving first aid, while others are still undergoing treatment.
Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya stated that the organizers had taken permission for the event, and an investigation into the incident is underway.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed district officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured and wished them a swift recovery.
Eyewitnesses suggested that the stairs collapsed due to the excessive weight of the crowd. The incident created panic, leading to a stampede-like situation, but police quickly intervened to restore order.
Some attendees alleged delays in medical assistance, claiming injured individuals had to be transported in e-rickshaws due to a lack of ambulances. Many expressed concerns over inadequate security and disaster management measures at the event.
(With PTI Inputs)