Dharmasthala: One of the stages built for the Bhagawan Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka 2019 has collapsed leaving several injured, here on Thursday, February 14.

This stage was built for a ritual called ‘Panchamaha Vaibhava.’

As the stage collapsed without any hint, several are suspected to have come under the structure.

The fire fighters have rushed to the spot and the rescue operations are on.

According to witnesses, this incident has taken place at 12.30 PM.

Fortunately, no programme was in progress when the incident occurred, which has evaded a possible major tragedy.

Dharmasthala accident false news: SP Laxmi Prasad

Addressing the media, Regional Fire Officer Tippeswamy G said, “The incident took place when several people left to have lunch. Around 30 people were still at the spot, during which there was a heavy gush of wind due to which the whole structure has collapsed.”

“The firefighters with the help of the eye witnesses pulled out those who were stuck under the structure and rushed them to the nearby SDM Hospital. They have escaped with minor injuries and to avoid any further damage, necessary measures are taken.”

Tippeswamy said that keeping this incident in mind the fire department has deployed the Agni Bullet vehicle, two water tankers and two QRVs (Quick Response Vehicle).

Superintendent of Police Laxmi Prasad has clarified that around four people have escaped with minor injuries in the collapse.

He said, “Some sections in media are blowing the news out of proportion and spreading false news about the incident. Only half the structure of the stage has fallen off and only four are injured. As the Panchamaha Vaibhava programme ended, only 30 people were under the structure when the incident occurred as the rest had already left for lunch”.

“Those 30 people have immediately escaped from the falling structure”, he added.

A press release by the Dharmasthala temple has stated that everything was back to normal and requested everyone not to spread any kind of false information.