13 Killed After Falling Into Well While Performing A Ritual At Wedding Function

At least 13 people, including children, were killed in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh after falling into a well while performing a marriage ritual.

The incident took place Thursday in Naurangiya Tola village in the Khushinagar district. At least 10 people were left injured after the incident, The Economic Times reported. The victims were sitting on an iron slab placed atop the well, which collapsed due to heavy load, hurtling all of them down into the well.

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, expressed grief over the issue and directed officials to extend all possible help to the bereaved families. "The death of (the) villagers in an unfortunate incident in Naurangiya Tola village of Kushinagar district is very sad. My condolences are with the bereaved families of the deceased. Prabhu Shri Ram is wishing for the speedy recovery of the injured," Adityanath wrote in a tweet.

All of the victims were females. The deceased were identified as Pooja, 19, Sashi Kala, 15, Shakuntala, 35, Mamta Devi, 35, Meera, 25, Pooja, 20, Pari, 1, Jyoti, 15, Radhika, 16, Sundari, 15, Aarti, 10, Pappi, 20, and Manu, 18, officials said. The well was more than 15 meters deep, Muralidhar Singh, a rescuer, told WTOP news.

The government has announced a compensation of $5,327 (4 lacs INR) families of the deceased persons. The bodies have been sent for an autopsy and the case is being investigated. In addition to that, The district administration will pay $2,663.55 (2 lacs INR) from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the relatives of the deceased. $665.96 will be paid to the families of those injured, Scroll.in reported.

"I convey my deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote in a tweet. "I pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured. The local administration is engaged in providing every possible assistance."