KATHMANDU, Sept 30: A makeshift dormitory adjoining a church in Dharan collapsed on Tuesday night, killing 23 and injuring 63 others.
Four children are among those killed when the three-storied dormitory, mainly made of bamboo and having tin roofs, at Victoria Chowk, Dharan-19 collapsed Tuesday night.[break]
Around 2000 had gathered at an eight-day international convention organized by El-Shaddai Church. The convention that began on Monday was being held at the Zion Prayer House. There were many from neighboring India for the convention.
The organizer said that majority of those killed and injured are women as the three-storied structure was built for women participants. At least 53 of the injured are women while 10 are men. The injured are undergoing treatment at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. One of the injured Raju Rai is said to be in serious condition.
The high number of casualty occurred, officials believe, because attendees were sleeping at the time of the incident which occurred around midnight.
Police and army personnel have helped in rescue efforts.
All those dead have been identified. Those killed are Dilmaya Lugun, 82 of Jhapa, Rajesh Rai, 23 of Udaypur, Salmi Tamang, 16 of Jhapa, Rajen Rai, 26 of Morang, Kalabati Khausiyar, 40, Kisan Chaudhary, 60 of Morang, Punam Magar, 50 of Morang, Kumari Tamang, Peter Lawati, 48, Kalpana Thagam, 25 of Kaski, Nandakishor Limbu, 65 of Itahari and Saroja Limbu, 40 of Jhapa.
Similarly, Asharam Rai, 12of Jhapa, Sarita Dipali, 48 of Lalitpur, Sipola Subba, 9 of Jhapa, Nandimaya BK, 9 of Jhapa, Abhisekh Rai, 10, Pabitra Limbu, 35 of Morang, Goma Bhujel, 60 of Sunsari, Arati Maya Rai, 55 of Dharan, Marcy Mese, 28 of Jhapa, Suleman Tamang, 7 of Kathmandu and Indian national Neru Rai, 35.
According to SP Rajendra Man Shrestha, chief of Sunsari district police, the preliminary investigation showed that the structure collapsed as the jute ropes used to put the bamboo poles together were damaged after continuous rainfall.
Local Church official said the temporary structure fell down when large number of participants of the religious function chose to sleep on the top storey as it was relatively cooler than downstairs.
PM expresses condolence
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has expressed sorrow at the death of 23 persons.
The prime minister said he was shocked to hear the news of death of 23 persons and injuries of 65 persons in the incident.
In a statement, the prime minister extended condolence to the departed souls and wished for speedy recovery of the injured persons. “On behalf of the government, I express deep sorrow over the incident and express condolence to the bereaved families,” the PM said.
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