15 Dead in Rajasthan Tent Collapse: CM Gehlot Visits Victims’ Kin

According to the police, the tent was uprooted by strong winds, trapping the people sitting inside.

Panic-stricken people after a pandal fell during a Ram Katha due to a storm in Jasol village of Barmer district.

(Photo: PTI)

At least 15 people died and over 50 were injured on Sunday, 23 June, after a dust storm caused a pandal (tent) to collapse during a religious programme in Rajasthan’s Barmer district.

A ‘Ram Katha’ was organised in the Jasol area of the district when strong winds uprooted the tent, trapping the people sitting under it, Additional Superintendent of Police Khinv Singh told PTI. The injured were rushed to different hospitals.

Gehlot Announces Rs 5 Lakh Ex Gratia for Families of Deceased

A day after the incident, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot visited the families of the deceased to offer his condolences. “We are with the families of those affected”, he said on Twitter, following his visit.

Gehlot had earlier announced Rs 5 lakh each to the next of the kin of those who lost their lives in the incident and the injured will be provided a maximum of Rs 2 lakh as compensation.

He also said that an inquiry has been ordered into the incident and action will be taken accordingly.

“We have ordered an inquiry into the incident. Action will be taken based on the inquiry report. We are thinking of issuing an advisory regarding arrangements and security at such events to prevent similar incidents in future.”

Ashok Gehlot, Rajasthan chief minister

Meanwhile, Union Minister and Barmer MP, Kailash Chaudhary too visited the hospital, where those injured are currently receiving treatment.

Speaking to the ANI at the hospital, Chaudhary condoled the deaths in Sunday’s incident. “The incident is painful. I offer my condolences to the departed souls and their family members. I am in contact with the administration. I have spoken to Home Minister Amit Shah and CM.

He added that the compensation announced by Gehlot has reached the affected.

Chaudhary at the hospital.(Photo: ANI)

PM Modi Offers Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, expressing grief.

“Collapse of a ‘Pandaal’ in Rajasthan’s Barmer is unfortunate. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and I wish the injured a quick recovery,” Modi wrote.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi too expressed grief and said, “The loss of lives in the accident in Jasol, Barmer, due to collapse of tents during Ram Katha is very sad and unfortunate. I pray to God for peace to the departed soul. I wish the injured speedy recovery.”

Home Minister Amit Shah and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu too expressed grief.

(With inputs from ANI and PTI)