Pragaram roof collapses in Tiruchendur, 1 dead

Sources said that around 10.30 am, the roof of one of the ‘pragarams’ situated near the northern entrance and Valli cave suddenly collapsed. Three people, including a woman, who was selling buttermilk, were caught under the rubble.

Soon after the collapse, devotees in other parts of the temple rushed to the spot and tried to rescue the victims. As the stones were heavy, they were not able to lift and bring out the three persons to safety.

Meanwhile, on information Fire and Rescue services personnel arrived at the spot and began rescue operations. However, Pechiammal could not be pulled out of the debris in time. Two more devotees, Kandasamy (70) of Tiruppur and Senthil Arumugam (60) of Tiruchendur, were rescued with injuries and were rushed to the Tirunelveli Government Hospital. The temple officials carried out an investigation.

Sources said that the roof which was built 43 years ago. Water had drained through a hole in the corner of the roof which could have weakened the structuThis could have brought down the roof, they added.

Later in the evening, HR&CE Minister, Sevvur Ramachandran inspected the spot and held a discussion with the officials. Addressing media persons, he attributed the collapse to the constant exposure of the roof and the pillars holding it to saline air from the sea.

Meanwhile, Pechiammal’s relatives staged a protest outside the Tiruchendur GH and demanded Rs 25 lakh as compensation and a government job for a member of her family.

However, the minister consoled them and handed over them a cheque for Rs 5 lakh as compensation. He also gave a cheque for Rs 1 lakh each as relief to the two injured persons.