Daijiworld Media Network- UP

UP, Jan 29: A devastating accident struck Baraut city in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district on Tuesday morning, leaving seven people dead and around 60 injured after a temporary wooden structure collapsed at a religious gathering.

The incident occurred around 8 AM during the ‘Abhishek’ ceremony of Lord Adinath at Shri Digambar Jain Degree College ground on Gandhi Road. The event was part of the Moksha Kalyanak Nirvana Mahotsav, a significant occasion for the Jain community, organized under the Shri 1008 Adinath Bhaktaambar Prachar.

Authorities reported that of the injured, 20 were discharged after receiving first aid, while 39 others remain under treatment at a local hospital. Around 100 people were attending the event when the accident took place.

According to police, the wooden stairs of a 65-foot temporary stage in the Maanstambh Complex collapsed, causing devotees standing on or near the structure to fall.

A case has been registered against a contractor in connection with the tragedy, and a magisterial inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the collapse.

District Magistrate Asmita Lal noted that this annual event has been held at the venue for the past 30 years. However, eyewitnesses alleged that medical assistance was delayed, and many injured individuals had to be transported to hospitals in e-rickshaws due to the lack of available ambulances.

The incident has raised concerns about event safety measures and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future. Authorities are now working to ensure accountability and prevent similar mishaps at large gatherings.