Boulder Collapses At A Shiva Shrine In Rourkela Injuring 17 Devotees

Rourkela: At least 17 devotees were injured in a mishap when a huge boulder from Jatia Baba hill in Kandarkela rolled over them while they were standing in queue for darshan of presiding deity of Lord Shiva on the occasion of Mahashivratri today.

Sources said, huge number of people had made a beeline at the shrine today morning to offer prayers to Lord Shiva when suddenly a boulder on the top of the hill came crashing down the devotees. As many as 17 people were injured during the mishap and most of them were immediately admitted to Hatibari health centre. 10 people who are stated to be seriously injured in the mishap were later rushed to Rourkela Government Hospital for treatment.

Fire fighting personnel, police and health teams with as many as six ambulances have been mobilised for rescue operations at the spot as it is suspected that many more people could still be trapped under the collapsed debris.

Rakesh Kuswaha, an eye witness at the spot said, “Some youths were taking selfies on that rock over the hill. Due to some reason, the rock slipped and rolled over the devotees standing below.”

Arun Sahu, the BJP district Secretary of Sundergarh said, “All the injured have been admitted to Hatibari Community Health Centre. Some of the seriously injured are referred to the RGH for further treatment.”