At least seven people were killed and over 30 others received injuries on Saturday after the roof of an under-construction temple collapsed in Maharashtra’s Parbhani district, triggering panic and a large-scale rescue operation.
The incident took place at Yashwadi in Manvat taluka, where construction work was underway at a Hanuman temple. Officials said devotees and labourers were present at the site when a portion of the structure suddenly caved in, trapping multiple people under heavy debris.
Local residents were among the first to respond, pulling out the injured before emergency services arrived. Police teams, along with disaster response personnel, later reached the spot and carried out rescue and search operations using earthmovers and manual clearing of rubble.
The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals in Parbhani and adjoining areas. Medical officials said several victims are in critical condition, and the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
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Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the roof collapsed without warning, causing a loud crash and dust cloud that engulfed the construction site. Many people had gathered at the temple premises due to ongoing religious and construction-related activity.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. Preliminary suspicion points to possible structural weakness or lapses in construction safety standards, though officials have not ruled out other factors.
Senior district administration officials visited the site and reviewed ongoing relief measures. The area has been cordoned off to prevent further risk and ensure safe removal of debris.
The incident has raised concerns over safety protocols at religious construction sites, where crowd movement continues despite incomplete structures.
Further identification of the deceased and injured is underway, while officials continue to monitor the condition of those hospitalised.
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