Tragedy at Delhi's Kalkaji temple: Woman killed, 17 injured in stage collapse during jagran

In a tragic incident, one woman was killed and 17 others were injured after a platform, made of wood and iron frame, at a Mata Jagran in Delhi's famous Kalkaji temple collapsed in the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, reported news agency ANI, citing the Delhi Police.

According to the police and visuals shared by the news agency, an elevated platform was created near the main stage for seating the families of organisers and VIPs. At about 12.30 am, several devotees climbed on the stage when hymns were being sung. This led to the stage collapsing as it could not bear the weight of the crowd.

According to the police, no permission was granted for holding the event. Around 1,500-1,600 people had gathered to attend the jagrata (overnight awakening) of Goddess Durga, a Hindu ritual comprising all-night vigils, songs, dances and worship for the veneration of the deity, in the temple's Mahant Parisar.

"We got a call at around 12.30 am that a stage, which was set up for 'jagran' purpose, at Kalkaji temple, collapsed. Teams were rushed to the spot. One woman was declared dead. Further investigation is underway," news agency PTI quoted a senior police officer as saying.

Temple's priest, Sunil Sunny said that the stampede-like situation arose after singer B Praak arrived. "Yesterday was the 23rd annual 'Jagran' at Kalkaji temple. Prominent singers and a large number of devotees had arrived... When B Praak arrived, a stampede-like situation arose. There was a stage on the side, and a lot of people gathered on it, as a result of which, it collapsed. Kalkaji Mandir administration, police, and volunteers managed the situation and reduced the damage to a great extent... The main stage did not collapse. Towards the side, a platform made for devotees to sit on collapsed," he told ANI.

Singer B Praak expressed anguish over the incident. While sharing a video message on his Instagram story, the singer said that management at such events holds a crucial role.

"This is the first time I’ve seen something like this happen before my eyes, and I’m deeply saddened by it. What happened while I was singing at Kalkaji Mandir is extremely unfortunate," he said in the video message.

The injured have been admitted to various hospitals including AIIMS Trauma Centre and Safdarjung Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. A few people suffered fractures, but the condition of all the injured is stable.

A case under the sections of 337/304A/188 of the Indian Penal Code(IPC) has been registered against the organisers, the police said.

(With inputs from agencies)