# India

Nine killed as Shiv temple collapses in Shimla city during rush hour

Many people are feared to be still trapped under the debris even as rescue operations are underway.

Statesman News Service | Shimla | August 14, 2023 3:03 pm

Nine killed as Shiv temple collapses in Shimla city during rush hour

Nine bodies have been recovered from the debris of the Shiv Temple, Summerhill in the suburbs of Shimla city in Himachal Pradesh. The temple collapsed due to a landslide triggered by heavy rains on Monday morning.

Many people are feared to be still trapped under the debris even as rescue operations are being carried out by the officials of the Shimla Police and the State Disaster Response Force.

Shimla Deputy Commissioner Aditya Negi and SP Sanjeev Gandhi rushed to the spot to supervise the rescue operations.

According to the police, the incident occurred around 7.15 am when there was a rush of devotes despite heavy rains as visiting the Shiv temple to worship Lord Shiva during the period is considered auspicious.

There are reports of landslide in other areas of Shimla city as well including Fagli where two persons have been killed, while eight injured when a house collapsed under the debris of landslide.

The deceased have been identified as Sunita and Kamla Thakur.

Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla spokesperson has confirmed two brought dead in the Fagli incident and the eight injured persons are stable.

As a landslide occurred near the Library and Physics department of Himachal Pradesh University, Summerhill Shimla, the Library has been closed and the University has declared holiday.

In the wake of heavy rains and alert the University authorities had earlier cancelled all the exams that were scheduled to be held on Monday.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reached the spot to oversee the operations after the landslide.

He said that the utmost priority is being given to saving lives and the government is fully committed to ensuring the safety of those trapped.