Death toll in India temple collapse rises to 35

The death toll after a floor collapsed at a Hindu temple in India had risen to 35 on Friday with rescue operations ongoing, a local official said.

Dozens of worshippers celebrating a major religious holiday on Thursday plunged into the stepwell — a stair-lined communal water source — after the floor covering it collapsed in the central city of Indore.

“Thirty-five people are dead. One person is still missing. Rescue operations are on,” Indore district magistrate Ilayaraja T. said by phone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday he was “extremely pained” by news of the accident.

“The state government is spearheading rescue and relief work at a quick pace,” he added. “My prayers with all those affected and their families.”

Modi’s office said compensation payments of 200,000 rupees ($2,400) would be given to next-of-kin.