Temple roof collapses during a religious gathering, leaving multiple worshippers dead and dozens injured - India

Jun 23, 2026
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Five people were killed and at least 17 others were injured after the roof of an under-construction Hanuman temple collapsed during a religious gathering in Yashwadi village, Parbhani district, Maharashtra, India.

According to authorities, the collapse occurred on Saturday afternoon while dozens of devotees had gathered inside the temple's assembly hall. The structure, which was still under construction, suddenly gave way, trapping worshippers beneath heavy debris. Emergency responders, police, disaster management teams, and local residents launched an extensive rescue operation to free those trapped beneath the rubble.

The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, while officials confirmed that five people died as a result of the collapse. Investigators believe the structure had been opened to devotees before construction was fully completed. Preliminary findings suggest that heavy marble materials supported by temporary wooden scaffolding may have contributed to the structural failure, although the exact cause remains under investigation.

Authorities have ordered a structural audit and launched an official investigation into the incident. Government officials have expressed condolences to the victims' families and pledged assistance to those affected as investigators continue examining whether construction or safety violations played a role in the tragedy.