Date:11/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/11/stories/2008081165771100.htm

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3 feared killed as temple ladder collapses

Special Correspondent

About 250 people are reportedly stranded at the Geparnath pilgrim centre

Photo: PTI

Portions of the ladder leading to the Geparnath Mahadev temple, near Kota, that collapsed on Sunday. —

JAIPUR: Three pilgrims were feared killed and about 250 stranded at the Geparnath pilgrim centre when the ladder leading to the Mahadeva temple caved in on Sunday.

The temple is situated in a valley along the Chambal river, some 25 km from Kota in Rajasthan.

Army was called in to assist in rescue operations in the evening. According to the district administration, several pilgrims were injured.

The ladder at the pilgrim centre — also a popular picnic spot — collapsed apparently under the weight of the large holiday crowd.

The district administration was trying to confirm the death of three pilgrims till late in the night. A PTI report said only one pilgrim died.

District Public Relations Officer P.K. Singhal told The Hindu over telephone that some pilgrims used an alternative walkway to come out of the valley with a great difficulty.

Efforts were on to rescue about 250 others who were still stranded.

The Geparnath shrine is situated in the Darra wildlife sanctuary on the road leading to Rawatbhata town, famous for the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station.

Copters on standby

PTI reports:

Principal Secretary, Home, S.N. Thanvi said helicopters had been kept ready for any exigency.

Some pilgrims, who were witness to the tragedy, said only 70 devotees were inside the temple when the ladder collapsed. Darkness hampered the rescue operations and temporary lights were installed to continue the efforts, Mr. Kumar said.

Rajasthan Home Minister G.C. Kataria said it would be impossible to rescue people during the night. “We have to wait for the crack of dawn to resume operations.”