By | Arun Londhe
Sangli| A tragic incident in Maharashtra’s Sangli district when at least six devotees lost their lives after a wall collapsed within a temple area during a sudden storm. The incident occurred in Motewadi village of Jat taluka, where a large number of devotees had gathered for the annual Margubai devi yatra.
According to initial reports, the temple area was crowded with devotees participating in religious rituals and celebrations. In the evening hours, the weather suddenly worsened, with strong winds and heavy rainfall hitting the area without warning. As panic spread, many devotees rushed to take shelter near the temple wall and under temporary tin sheds installed within the area.
However, the strong winds proved too intense for the temporary structures. A section of the wall, along with the tin-sheet covering, suddenly gave way and collapsed onto the crowd standing nearby. Several people were trapped under the debris, leading to chaos and panic at the site.
Local residents and volunteers immediately rushed to the spot and began rescue efforts even before official teams arrived. Police personnel and district administration officials soon reached the location and launched a coordinated rescue operation. The injured were pulled out from under the rubble and shifted to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.
Authorities have confirmed that six people died on the spot due to severe injuries, while around a dozen others sustained injuries, some of them reported to be in critical condition. Medical teams are closely monitoring the injured, and emergency services have been kept on high alert.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the combination of poor structural stability and extreme weather conditions may have contributed to the collapse. Officials have ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident to determine whether negligence or safety lapses played a role. Strict action is expected if any violations are found.
The tragedy has triggered widespread grief and concern across the region. Leaders from across the country have expressed condolences to the families of the victims. The Prime Minister also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Meanwhile, questions are being raised about safety arrangements at large religious gatherings, especially during unpredictable weather conditions. The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger infrastructure checks and disaster preparedness measures at crowded public events.
