A devastating incident marred the ‘Nirvana Laddu Parv’ festival in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, when a makeshift wooden stage collapsed, leading to the tragic loss of five lives and injuring over 40 others. The festival was organized to commemorate Bhagwan Adinath, the first Tirthankara in Jainism.
Incident Details
The collapse occurred on Tuesday, during the culmination of the festival’s key event. The makeshift structure, which was erected to accommodate a large number of attendees, suddenly gave way, trapping dozens under its debris. Initial investigations suggest overcrowding and structural instability as possible causes of the collapse.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos that ensued, with people scrambling to rescue those trapped beneath the debris. Emergency services were promptly alerted, and rescue operations were launched to provide immediate assistance. Ambulances and rescue teams worked tirelessly to extract injured individuals and transport them to nearby hospitals.
Government Response
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and assured all possible support to the injured. The Chief Minister has ordered district authorities to ensure proper medical care for the injured and directed an inquiry into the incident. Compensation for the victims’ families is also expected to be announced soon.
Community and Religious Reactions
The Jain community, which had gathered in large numbers to celebrate the sacred festival, expressed profound grief over the tragic turn of events. The Nirvana Laddu Parv holds special significance, as it celebrates the attainment of Nirvana by Bhagwan Adinath. Organizers have pledged to cooperate fully with authorities in investigating the incident and ensuring stricter safety measures for future events.
Safety Concerns
The incident has reignited concerns over safety protocols at large gatherings. Experts have called for stricter regulations and inspections to ensure the structural integrity of temporary setups, particularly during festivals attended by large crowds.
Looking Ahead
While rescue operations have concluded, authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collapse. This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the need for vigilance and planning to prevent such incidents in the future.
