Five killed, 80 injured as roof collapses

GOVERDHAN (Uttar Pradesh): Five sadhus were killed and at least 80 injured when the roof of a 300-year-old Barsana ashram collapsed, the police said on Sunday.

The incident took place on Saturday afternoon while an annual "Bhandara" was held in the Ashram of Siddha Baba on the Goverdhan-Barsana road, about 30 km from Mathura. Thousands of people had gathered for the event.

"The ashram building roof couldn't take the load of the people and collapsed, killing five and injuring more than 80, at least a dozen of whom are in serious condition," an official at the Goverdhan police station said.

He said the injured have been admitted to hospitals in Mathura and Goverdhan.