Six people lost their lives, and over 50 others sustained injuries after a bamboo platform collapsed during a religious event in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat.

The incident occurred during the annual ‘Laddoo Mahotsav,’ organized by the Jain community in Baraut. Hundreds of devotees had gathered at a temple to offer laddoos when the bamboo platform, erected for the occasion, gave way under their weight.

Baghpat police chief Arpit Vijayvargiya stated that emergency responders, including police and ambulances, arrived promptly to assist. The injured were rushed to hospitals, where those with minor injuries received first aid and were sent home, while others with severe injuries are undergoing treatment.

District Magistrate Asmita Lal explained that the ‘Laddoo Mahotsav’ has been celebrated by the local Jain community for 30 years. “A wooden platform collapsed, injuring around 40 people. Twenty received first aid and were discharged, while the rest are still receiving care,” she added.

Rakesh Jain, a devotee present at the event, shared that the platform is constructed every year as part of the festival to honor the nirvana of Jain deity Adinatha. “When the priests went to offer laddoos, the platform collapsed, bringing down hundreds of devotees with it,” he recounted.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and directed officials to expedite relief efforts. His office also conveyed his prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.