Platform collapse in UP kills 6, injures 50.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed deep anguish over the tragic incident in Uttar Pradesh, where a platform collapse during a religious event resulted in the loss of six lives and left 50 others injured. In response, Adityanath has instructed officials to immediately reach the site and expedite relief efforts. He has assured that the government will provide all necessary support to the victims and their families. The Chief Minister also directed medical teams to ensure the timely treatment of the injured and requested an investigation into the cause of the collapse.
In a tragic incident in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district, six people have died, and over 50 others have been injured after a bamboo platform erected during a religious event collapsed under the weight of the devotees. The collapse occurred during a religious gathering organized by the Jain community in Baraut, a town in Baghpat, where hundreds of people had gathered to offer laddoos as part of the ‘Laddoo Mahotsav’ festival.
The incident took place on a day that should have been filled with religious fervor and joy for the local Jain community, but instead, it turned into a scene of chaos and distress. The festival, a beloved tradition in the area, involves offering laddoos to mark the nirvana of the Jain deity Adinatha. Every year, the devotees gather at a temple to celebrate this occasion, but this year’s event ended in an unimaginable tragedy.
According to police reports, the platform, made of bamboo, was erected specifically for the devotees to gather on during the religious ceremony. However, as more people began to crowd the platform, it buckled under the increasing weight, leading to the collapse. The disaster unfolded rapidly, with people falling onto each other and the ground. The panic-stricken scene created immense difficulty for those attempting to rescue the trapped and injured.
Baghpat’s police chief, Arpit Vijayvargiya, reported that police and ambulance teams arrived promptly at the scene. They rushed to help the victims, transporting them to nearby hospitals for treatment. Those with minor injuries were treated on-site, given first aid, and sent home. However, many others sustained more severe injuries, with some in critical condition, requiring extended medical care. The local authorities have been working diligently to ensure that all victims receive the appropriate treatment and that families affected by the tragedy are supported.
District Magistrate Asmita Lal confirmed that the local Jain community in Baraut had been organizing the ‘Laddoo Mahotsav’ for the past 30 years. This long-standing tradition, which involves the congregation of the community to celebrate and offer prayers to the deity, turned tragic this year. Lal explained that the structure that collapsed was made of wood and bamboo, and approximately 40 individuals were injured in the disaster. While many of them were treated with first aid and sent home, the others with more serious injuries remain under medical supervision.
Rakesh Jain, a devotee who was present at the event, spoke about the incident, describing the platform’s collapse in harrowing detail. He explained that the platform, which has been part of the festival for many years, had been erected annually without prior issue. The platform typically serves as a space for devotees to gather during the religious occasion, but this year, it couldn’t hold the weight of the crowd. As the priests were about to offer the laddoos, the platform collapsed, and the crowd fell together. It was a tragic moment, one that left many devotees shaken and in distress.
In the wake of the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his sorrow and anguish over the loss of life and the injuries sustained by many others. He directed local authorities to immediately speed up relief operations and ensure that all injured victims received prompt medical attention. Adityanath’s office also issued a statement indicating that the Chief Minister had prayed for the quick recovery of those injured in the disaster. He extended his condolences to the families who had lost loved ones and assured that the state government would provide all necessary assistance to the victims.
This incident has drawn significant attention from both local and national media, as well as political figures, who have expressed their shock and support. The ‘Laddoo Mahotsav’ was supposed to be a peaceful religious event, but it tragically turned into a nightmare for those involved. Many are now questioning the safety of such events and whether the infrastructure used to support the large number of devotees is adequate.
The tragedy also highlights the importance of proper safety measures and planning when it comes to organizing large-scale religious events. While these festivals are a vital part of the cultural and religious fabric of India, it is crucial that the organizers ensure that the infrastructure can handle the influx of people, especially given the increasing size of crowds. In the aftermath of such a disaster, it is also important to assess the risks involved in the use of materials such as bamboo and wood, which may not provide the necessary stability for large gatherings.
There has been widespread discussion on social media, with many expressing concern over the lack of safety protocols during such events. Some have called for a review of the guidelines surrounding public gatherings, especially in rural areas where there may be less oversight and regulation. The incident in Baghpat may lead to calls for stricter safety regulations and inspections of event setups, especially when large crowds are expected. Local authorities will likely face increased pressure to ensure that public events are conducted in a way that minimizes the risk to participants.
Additionally, this event underscores the need for local and state governments to prioritize the safety of citizens during such gatherings. This includes ensuring that proper evacuation plans are in place, medical teams are on standby, and that the structures used for public events are safe and secure. As tragic as this incident has been, it serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness in preventing similar events in the future.
As the investigation into the cause of the collapse continues, authorities will likely look into whether there were any lapses in safety protocols or if the platform was constructed properly. It will also be crucial to determine if the number of people who gathered at the platform exceeded the capacity it was designed to accommodate. While it is too early to draw any definitive conclusions, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with large public gatherings and the need for responsible planning.
In the coming days, more details may emerge about the exact cause of the collapse, and the state government will likely take steps to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again. For now, the focus remains on providing relief to those affected and ensuring that the injured receive the care they need. The local Jain community, which had been eagerly preparing for the Laddoo Mahotsav, will no doubt feel the loss deeply as they begin to process the events of this tragic day.
In conclusion, the collapse of the bamboo platform during the ‘Laddoo Mahotsav’ in Baghpat has left six dead and over 50 injured, with both immediate relief efforts and longer-term discussions about safety protocols likely to follow. This incident has brought sorrow to many and raised serious questions about the preparedness and safety measures surrounding religious events, especially those that attract large crowds.