A heart-wrenching incident took place in Maharashtra’s Akola district. Almost seven people were killed and 23 others injured when a tree fell on a tin shed under which people were standing in a temple premises after heavy wind and rains in the region, local administration said.

According to the local administration, the incident took place at around 7.30 pm on Sunday at Babuji Maharaj temple located in Paras village under Balapur taluka when the people had gathered for the ‘maha aarti.’

7 killed and 23 injured

Moreover, it is expected that approx 35 to 40 people were buried under the shed while seven lost their lives. 23 were injured, and five of them were seriously injured, the authorities said.

The injured persons were rushed to the Akola general hospital, they added.

Amid the heavy wind and rains, a 100-year-old tree fell on a tin shed under which around 40 people were standing, the district administration said.

After receiving information, emergency services were pressed into action for rescue work while JCB machines were brought in to lift the tree trunk and the collapsed shed.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condoled the deaths and announced that the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government will provide financial assistance to the kin of the deceased.

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Deputy CM Fadnavis condoles

Speaking to the news agency ANI, the deputy chief minister said, “It is painful to report that some devotees were killed when a tree fell on a tin shed when some people had gathered for a religious ceremony at Paras in Akola district. I pay my humble respects to them.”

He also said, “The Collector and the Superintendent of Police immediately visited the spot and are coordinating to ensure timely treatment of the injured. We are constantly in touch with them.”

Further, he said, “Some of the injured have been admitted to the District General Hospital and minor injuries are being treated at Balapur.”

Financial support to be provided to next to kin

“Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has decided to provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased from the state government and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund,” he added.