Jaipur: A pilgrim was killed and nearly 250 others were trapped inside a cave temple in Rajasthan's Kota district after a ladder leading to the ancient shrine collapsed.
It was a cantilever type of ladder (supported from one end) that collapsed due to heavy rush of pilgrims, said Principal Home Secretary S N Thanvi.
Close to 250 worshippers were trapped inside the temple of Lord Shiva located on the foothills of Chambal ravines, some 20 kms from Kota.
Army had been requisitioned to assist the district administration in rescue operations and a helicopters had also been kept ready in case of any exigency, Thanvi added.
Some pilgrims, who were eye-witnesses to the tragedy, said nearly 70 devotees were inside the temple when the ladder collapsed.
Kota Collector Abhay Kumar said, initial reports spoke of nearly 250 people being trapped inside the cave shrine.
Darkness hampered the rescue operation and temporary lights were installed to carry out the exercise, Kumar said.
Rajasthan Home Minister G C Kataria said it would be impossible to rescue people during the night and "we have to wait for the crack of dawn to resume the operation".
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