Daijiworld Media Network - Morena
Morena, Feb 9: A festive religious gathering ended in heartbreak on Monday after a concrete roof slab collapsed at an old temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district, killing three minor girls and leaving several others seriously injured.
The incident took place at the Chamad Mata temple in Ahrauli village under the Jaura sub-division, roughly 35 km from the district headquarters. The collapse occurred while part of the ageing structure was being dismantled to make way for a new dome.
According to police, the tragedy unfolded during kanya poojan, when young girls were being served food inside the temple premises. Without warning, a large and heavy section of the old concrete roof gave way, crashing down on the children gathered below. The impact was devastating, killing three girls instantly.
The deceased were identified as Vaishnavi Sikawar (11), Karishma Goswami (9), and Chhaya Goswami (7). Several others — Gunjan Singh (12), Pari Singh (8), and Vidya Singh (6) — sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Morena district hospital for treatment.
Satish Gaud, a local resident who had organised the kanya poojan, his wife Prithi Gaud, and their 14-year-old daughter were also injured in the collapse and have been admitted to hospital.
Villagers present at the site immediately began rescue efforts, pulling victims out from under the debris before local authorities and police arrived. Jaura Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shubham Sharma later reached the spot to oversee rescue and relief operations, while the injured were shifted to Kailaras Hospital for further care.
Residents told local media that the Chamad Mata temple is around 150 years old. Originally a simple platform, the structure was expanded about seven years ago using community donations, with walls and a roof supported by small concrete slabs — a construction that may now come under scrutiny.
Police confirmed the deaths and injuries and said an investigation is underway to determine responsibility and assess whether safety norms were ignored during the renovation work.