Ujjain: 7 killed, over 80 injured after tents collapse due to heavy rainfall at Kumbh Mela

Six people were killed and over 80 injured on Thursday at the ongoing Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) after tens and gates collapsed due to heavy downpour. 

A woman pilgrim died after being struck by a lightning bolt. "A woman pilgrim was killed in Undasa area when the lightning struck her," Ujjain SP Manohar Verma said. She was yet to be identified.

Squall coupled with rain suddenly hit the mela area, uprooting various 'akharas' (camps) of sadhus.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express anguish over the loss of lives at the Kumbh. 

Anguished over the loss of lives at the Kumbh due to heavy rains. May Almighty give strength to the bereaved families to overcome the grief.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2016

I hope the injured recover quickly. I pray for the safety & well-being of all saints, pilgrims and tourists at the Kumbh.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2016

The mela begun on April 22 and is expected to go on for a month. 

Ujjain: Visuals from #SimhasthKumbh2016 where 6 died&over 80 got injured after tents collapsed due to heavy downpour pic.twitter.com/Nv4ueVLqZN

— ANI (@ANI_news) May 5, 2016

Pictures of pandal that collapsed due to strong winds & rainfall in #SimhasthKumbh2016 (Ujjain) claiming 5 lives pic.twitter.com/gPVob5Yu14

— ANI (@ANI_news) May 5, 2016