Accident mars Eid festivity in Mehsana

PALANPUR: Two people, including a 10-year-old boy, were killed and 43 others were injured when a wall at the Eidgah collapsed in Mehsana on Tuesday. Two of the injured are serious. All the injured are being treated at civil hospital in Mehsana. The deceased have been identified as Abdul Suleiman Sindhi, 60, and Asif Hussainbhai, 10.
The collapse took place around 9.45 am immediately after Eid-ul-fitr prayers at the Eidgah on Magpara Road.The Eidgah stands on a recently reclaimed land from a garbage dump. The recent rains had turned it into an uneven patch of land that was full of slush. "The tragedy occurred when people in their haste to reach home early after the prayers scaled the surrounding walls. This led to the collapse of the 60 feet long wall," said chief municipal officer RP Joshi.
"The ground was recently reclaimed from about one metre deep garbage refill site without our knowledge. Sand was used to level the ground. The recent rains and a heavy influx of about 5,000 people for prayers added to the pressure on the wall on the northern side," he added. "Among the 43 injured, 10 were taken out from the debris," said Mehsana collector Lochan Sehra.
Police personnel along with the municipal and panchayat officials were involved in the rescue operations that lasted for an hour.