Sorrow as 13 women, girls die at Indian wedding after falling into a well

An accident at a wedding ceremony in Northern India has resulted in the death of 13 women and girls, with another 13 injured.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night at Nebua Narangia village in Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh state.

The victims were reportedly standing on a metal sheet covering a well in a courtyard while watching the haldi ceremony, one of the many rituals that were part of a Hindu wedding during which turmeric is smeared on the bride or groom.

The metal sheet collapsed under their weight, and more than 20 people fell into the well, Kushinagar district Magistrate S. Rajalingam said.

Eleven people died on the spot, while fifteen were rescued. However, two of the rescued later died in the hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the deaths were heart-rending and that the district administration was doing everything possible to help the injured and the families of the victims.

(dpa/NAN)