Ujjain: At least seven people were killed and more than 50 injured when a pandal collapsed in a storm at the venue of the Simhasth Kumbh in Ujjain.
The casualties happened when some tents and gates erected at the Kumbh area collapsed in the thunderstorm. Among the dead was a woman pilgrim who was struck by lightning in Undasa area.
Police official BS Chauhan said nearly a third of the tents put up by the pilgrims were blown away in the squall and that it would take at least a week to erect them again.
Authorities fear the death toll may rise further, as late into the night rescuers were clearing collapsed tents and pulling out people trapped under them.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the dead, Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 to those who suffered minor injuries.
CM Chouhan will visit Ujjain on Friday to take stock of the situation.
He tweeted rescue teams, officials and public representatives have reached the spot and that they will take care of the pilgrims.
The rain made large parts of the Mela ground slushy, making rescue operations difficult. Authorities have cut off electricity supply to the area as a precautionary measure.
Eyewitnesses said a drain was breached at Ramghat on the banks of Kshipra, as a result of which filthy water is gushing into the river.
The state government has spent more than Rs 3,600 crore for developing infrastructure and facilities for the month-long congregation.
(With additional information from PTI)
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