A tragic accident occurred during a Jain Nirvana festival in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat on Tuesday, where a makeshift stage collapsed, resulting in five deaths and injuries to at least 40 people, including women and children.

The mishap took place during a laddoo ceremony, a traditional offering to Lord Adinath. A large number of devotees had gathered to participate in the ritual in the presence of Jain monks. However, the temporary stage, constructed from bamboo and wood, gave way under the weight of the crowd, trapping several people beneath the debris, according to officials.

Baghpat District Magistrate Asmita Lal confirmed that the festival had been held annually for nearly 30 years without incident. “At least 40 individuals were injured, and they were promptly admitted to the hospital for treatment. Twenty have already been discharged after receiving first aid,” she stated.

Authorities, including senior police officers, swiftly arrived at the scene with additional personnel to manage the situation and ensure the injured were transported to nearby hospitals for medical care.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured. He also instructed local officials to ensure that the best possible treatment is provided to the affected devotees.