CNN — At least 35 individuals have been killed Thursday after falling right into a stepwell at a Hindu temple in central India after its ground overlaying collapsed, in response to native officers.

The incident occurred on the Shri Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple within the metropolis of Indore, in Madhya Pradesh state. The stepwell’s overlaying had collapsed “due to the heavy load” on prime, in response to the state’s chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra initially mentioned Thursday that 19 individuals had been rescued from the stepwell, although two later died. Water was being pumped out of the stepwell to assist rescue efforts, he added. Stepwells are giant wells or reservoirs with steps that descend to the water stage.

Later that night, senior district official Ilayaraja T informed reporters that they had recovered 35 our bodies, with one individual nonetheless lacking and 16 injured.

“There is a lot of silt. Once we do the de-silting, we will do another round of searches,” he mentioned. The military, in addition to federal and state catastrophe response groups, are concerned within the rescue.

“Despite all efforts, we could not save many lives,” mentioned Chouhan, including that he had ordered an investigation into the incident.

Videos and pictures of the rescue operation present a big, gaping gap within the floor beneath the temple, with individuals climbing up a ladder to the floor and authorities feeding ropes down. A metallic wiring construction will be seen hanging off the sting, showing to have given method; outdoors, anxious crowds gathered outdoors the temple, with authorities finishing up the injured on stretchers.

Thursday was Rama Navami, a Hindu pageant celebrating the beginning of Lord Ram, usually marked by devotees visiting temples and performing non secular chants or songs.

Photos from the Indore temple present objects scattered on the ground close to the opening, together with candles, choices and sweets.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims and their households on Thursday, tweeting that he was “extremely pained” by the incident. “The State Government is spearheading rescue and relief work at a quick pace,” he mentioned.

The injured and households of the useless will obtain compensation from the federal government, Chouhan mentioned.

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