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Dozens Killed In India Temple Well Tragedy

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

NEW DELHI (Worthy News) – A debate about poor maintenance and structures of buildings rages in India after dozens of people were killed when the covering of a temple well collapsed and fell inside.

At least 35 people died, and over a dozen others were injured in the tragedy in central India’s temple in Indore in Madhya Pradesh state.

Investigators said the tragedy overshadowed the Hindu festival of Ram Navami on Thursday. India is a heavily Hindu nation.

Nearly 140 rescuers used ropes and ladders to pull the bodies from the well after pumping out the water, according to witnesses. A narrow path and debris in the well reportedly made the task difficult.

Dozens of people had fallen into the well in the temple complex and were covered by falling debris, Police Commissioner Makrand Deoskar told the media.

Bodies are seen floating in the muddy waters of the well. Nearly 140 rescuers used ropes and ladders to pull the bodies from the well after pumping out the water. A narrow path and debris in the well made the task difficult.

Dozens of people had fallen into the well in the temple complex and were covered by falling debris, Police Commissioner Makrand Deoskar said.

Building collapses are common in India because of poor construction and a failure to observe regulations amid concerns about corruption.

Last October, a century-old cable suspension bridge collapsed into a river in the western state of Gujarat, sending hundreds of people plunging into the water. At least 132 were killed in what was then one of India’s worst accidents in the past decade.