New Delhi, India (CNN) At least 35 people died Thursday after falling off a cliff at a Hindu temple in the center of the country India After the floor covering collapsed, according to local officials.
The incident took place at the Shri Beleshwar Mahadev Jalilal Temple in Indore, Madhya Pradesh state. State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said the staircase cover had collapsed “due to the heavy load” on the summit.
Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra initially said on Thursday that 19 people had been rescued from the runway, though two died later. He added that water was being pumped from the stair well to assist in rescue efforts. Stepwells are large wells or reservoirs with steps that go down to the water level.
Later that evening, a senior district official, Illiyaraja Te, told reporters that they had recovered 35 bodies, with one person still missing and 16 injured.
“There is a lot of silt. Once we clear the silt, we will do another round of searches,” he said. The military, as well as federal and state disaster response teams, are participating in the rescue operation.
“Despite all efforts, we could not save many lives,” Chauhan said, adding that he has ordered an investigation into the incident.
Videos and photos of the rescue show a large, wide hole in the ground beneath the temple, where people climb a ladder to the roof and authorities feed with ropes. The metal wire structure can be seen hanging off the edge, appearing to have given way; Outside, anxious crowds gathered outside the temple, with the authorities removing the wounded on stretchers.
Thursday was Rama Navami, a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ram, often marked by devotees visiting temples and performing religious chants or songs.
Images from the Endor temple show items scattered on the ground near the crater, 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 work at a rapid pace,” he said.
Chauhan said the injured and the families of the dead would receive compensation from the government.
CNN’s Ria Mogul contributed to reporting.
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