According to local authorities, at least 36 people died and 14 were rescued on Thursday (30) after falling into a stepwell at a Hindu temple in central India after its floor covering collapsed.

The event occurred at the Shri Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

According to the state's chief minister, the stepwell's covering collapsed "due to the heavy load" on top.

Narottam Mishra, the home minister of Madhya Pradesh, originally stated on Thursday that 19 people had been rescued from the stepwell, but two later died. He added that water was being pumped out of the stepwell to aid rescue attempts.

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