A tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday at the Kalkaji temple, resulting in the death of a 45-year-old woman and injuries to 17 individuals when a stage set up for a religious function collapsed, as confirmed by the police.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 am, following a ‘jagran’ (religious function) organized at the Mahant Parishar of Kalkaji temple on the previous Saturday. The event drew a crowd of around 1,600 attendees, and it was noted that no prior permission had been granted for the gathering. However, the police had deployed sufficient staff to maintain law and order.
Stressing the need for sound management, singer B Praak, who performed at the event, said he was “disappointed” and shared a video message on his Instagram Story soon after the incident.
“I am very sad and disappointed. This is the first time I saw something like this happen at a place where I was performing… At Ma Kalkaji Mandir. I hope those who suffered injuries get well soon,” said the 37-year-old, known for songs “Teri Mitti” and “Filhall”.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) Rajesh Deo stated that an elevated wooden platform, supported by an iron frame, had been set up near the main stage for the families of the organizers and VIPs. Unfortunately, around 12:30 am on Sunday, the elevated platform collapsed under the weight of the people seated on it, falling onto those below.
All the injured individuals were promptly transported to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, as well as the Safdarjung and MAX hospitals. Tragically, a 45-year-old woman was declared dead upon arrival at the MAX hospital.
Deo reported that a Delhi Police crime team visited the site, and the condition of the injured individuals is currently stable. An FIR has been registered against the organizers under sections 337, 304A, and 188 of the IPC (Indian Penal Code), initiating a further probe into the matter.
Director of Delhi Fire Services Atul Garg disclosed that his department received information about the incident at 12:45 am. Fire teams, along with three fire tenders, were dispatched to the site to address the situation. Garg noted that the kirtan stage had collapsed, leading to injuries, and those affected were swiftly taken to hospitals with the assistance of the police and the public.
(with PTI inputs)
