AMN / BARMER
At least 14 people were killed and 50 injured after a ‘pandaal’ collapses in Rajasthan’s Barmer today.
The incident happened at around 4:30 pm due to sudden rain and storm in Barmer.
The injured persons have been admitted to a hospital. According to the reports, the locals in Barmer had assembled to listen to Ram Katha (The story of Ram).
A ‘Ram Katha’ was organised at Jasol area of the district when the shamiana was uprooted by strong winds trapping the people sitting under it, Additional Superintendent of Police, Khinv Singh, said.
According to administration, a large number of people were present when the incident took place. People may have died of suffocation or due to electric current in pandaal.
More than 40 injured are being treated at Balotra Hospital, while 10 people have been referred to Jodhpur Medical College.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot have expressed their condolences towards the families of the deceased.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the incident as unfortunate.
In a tweet, Mr Modi said, his thoughts are with the bereaved families and wished for the quick recovery of the injured.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also expressed pain at the loss of lives due to collapse in the incident.
In a tweet, he expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and hoped for the quick recovery of the injured.
Collapse of a ‘Pandaal’ in Rajasthan’s Barmer is unfortunate. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and I wish the injured a quick recovery: PM Modi