A three-storey segment of a Hindu temple in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, collapsed late on Friday night. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the temple was unoccupied at the time of the incident. Witnesses described a loud noise as the section of the Swaminarayan Temple fell, which caused alarm among local residents who rushed outside their homes in response to the commotion.

The temple is located in the George Town area of the city, an area that has been experiencing significant rainfall recently. The structure that collapsed was reportedly used as a dharamshala, providing lodging for devotees, especially those visiting from southern India. The temple’s security personnel, Subedar Singh, confirmed the building’s function within the temple complex.

Construction Work and Weather Conditions

Construction activities adjacent to the temple have reportedly been ongoing for the past three to four months. During this period, a substantial pit was excavated on the plot behind the temple. The heavy rains have led to the pit frequently filling with water, raising concerns about the potential impact this could have on the temple’s foundation.

In light of the persistent downpour, the construction work had been temporarily halted in the days preceding the collapse. Experts suggest that the combination of continuous water accumulation and civil engineering activities may have adversely affected the structural integrity of the temple, leading to the unfortunate incident.

Authorities are investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the collapse. Local officials and police were dispatched to the scene promptly to assess the situation and gather information related to the structure’s failure.

Ongoing Investigations

The investigation into the cause of the collapse is currently underway, with officials examining various factors, including the history of the construction works and weather conditions leading up to the incident. The temple’s management is cooperating with the inquiry to ensure that all relevant details are scrutinised.

As of now, local authorities have not released a formal statement regarding the findings of the initial inspections. However, community members are reportedly concerned about the safety of other structures in the vicinity, prompting calls for a thorough inspection of nearby buildings, particularly those subject to similar construction activities.

Residents of the area are urged to exercise caution and report any signs of structural issues in other buildings. The local government has affirmed its commitment to addressing safety concerns and ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future.

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