A 45-year-old woman was killed and 17 others were injured after a stage collapsed at the Kalkaji temple in the wee hours on Sunday.
Police said the incident occurred around 12.30 am during a Mata Jagran organised at Mahant Parishar in the Kalkaji temple. Around 1,500-1,600 people had congregated to attend the event that has been held for the last 26 years. The police said that no permission had been granted to organise the event.
The police said that an elevated platform made of wood and iron frames was erected adjacent to the main stage for seating the families of organisers and VIPs. The elevated platform caved in around 12.30 am when it could not bear the weight of people seated and standing on it.
The police said that people seated below the elevated platform sustained injuries in the incident. Ambulances pressed into service shifted the injured to AIIMS Trauma Centre, Safdarjung Hospital, and MAX Hospital. The fire brigade also rushed to the site. So far, 17 people have been reported to have suffered injuries. The condition of the injured is stable, the police added.
The police are ascertaining the identity of the deceased woman, who was declared dead upon her arrival at the Max Hospital, the police said and added that a case has been registered against the organisers under Section 337, 304A, and 188 of the IPC.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed grief over the tragic incident and condoled the death of the woman. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
“The incident that happened last night during the Jagran of Kalkaji temple is very sad. A woman has died in the accident, may her soul rest in peace. I wish for the speedy recovery of the 17 injured people,” the CM wrote in a post on X.
The Chief Minister also appealed to the residents of the city to take utmost care and maintain safety measures while organising such significant events. He also advised them to make all requisite arrangements to prevent any untoward incident.