Rajasthan: Pandal collapse in Barmer leaves 14 dead, Rs 5 lakh aid announced

Gehlot further said, “Relief and rescue work is being carried out by the local administration. The concerned authorities have been instructed to investigate the incident, ensure speedy treatment of the injured and provide all possible assistance to the affected and their families.”

जसोल,बाड़मेर में राम कथा के दौरान टेंट गिरने से हुए हादसे में बड़ी संख्या में लोगों की जान जाने की जानकारी अत्यंत दुखद, दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है।ईश्वर से दिवंगतों की आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करने,शोकाकुल परिजनों को सम्बल देने की प्रार्थना है। घायलों के शीघ्र स्वास्थ्य लाभ की कामना करता हूँ

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) June 23, 2019

Additional Superintendent of Police, Khinv Singh told PTI, “A ‘Ram Katha‘ was organised at Jasol area of the Barmer district when the pandal was uprooted by strong winds trapping the people sitting under it.”

According to an eye witness, the person leading the ‘Ram Katha’, Murlidhar Maharaj, stopped midway and asked people to leave as the pandal started to collapse, he scurried from the stage within seconds. The collapse of the pandal created a stampede-like situation. No immediate information was available about the condition of Maharaj, PTI reported.

Pandal collapse in Barmer kills 14 people while several others sustained injuries. (Source: PTI Photo)

A shopkeeper said locals who rushed to rescue the victims felt current in the structure of the pandal. However, they rescued those trapped inside and took them to hospitals in private vehicles and mini-vans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolence. “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 said.

“The loss of lives in the accident in Jasol, Barmer, due to the collapse of tents during Ram Katha is very sad and unfortunate. I pray to God for peace to the departed soul. I wish the injured speedy recovery,” Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

जसोल,बाड़मेर में राम कथा के दौरान टेंट गिरने से हुए हादसे में बड़ी संख्या में लोगों की जान जाने की जानकारी अत्यंत दुखद, दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है।ईश्वर से दिवंगतों की आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करने,शोकाकुल परिजनों को सम्बल देने की प्रार्थना है।घायलों के शीघ्र स्वास्थ्य लाभ की कामना करता हूँ।

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 23, 2019

Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on Twitter: “Pained to know about the loss of lives due to the collapse of a Pandaal in Barmer, Rajasthan. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly.”

Saddened at the deaths after the “tent collapse” in Barmer, Rajasthan. My condolences to the grieving families. Our prayers that the injured recover quickly

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 23, 2019

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condoled the deaths at the ‘Ram Katha’ event. “Saddened at the deaths after the tent collapse in Barmer, Rajasthan. My condolences to the grieving families. Our prayers that the injured recover quickly,” Banerjee tweeted.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Chaudhary, who is the local MP, said he was leaving for Barmer from Delhi to meet the families of the victims and the injured.