Over 20 injured as tent collapses during Modi's Midnapore rally
What's the story
More than 20 people were injured when a makeshift tent collapsed amid rains during PM Narendra Modi's Midnapore rally today.
Modi was heard warning people crowding inside the tent to be careful before it collapsed.
The injured were rushed to the Midnapore Medical College. Doctors say the number of casualties could increase.
However, despite the disturbance, the PM's fans didn't leave the venue.
Details
The tent fell gradually, so many people could escape
The tent didn't fall suddenly, but gradually, "due to the cumulative effect of heavy rains and some people ascending the iron tubes holding up the canopy," said Sanju Yadav, a volunteer.
Due to this, many people could move away in time, escaping major injuries.
The accident happened some 100m away from the dais on which Modi and other BJP leaders were standing.
Rescue
Modi rushes personal staff to help victims, Banerjee assures aid
The tent collapsed while Modi was speaking. "He immediately instructed SPG personnel standing next to him to look after the people and attend to the injured," officials said.
The local BJP unit as well as the PM's personal staff, including his doctor, rushed to help.
Soon after his speech ended, Modi visited the injured in the hospital.
WB CM Mamata Banerjee also assured all help.
Twitter Post
'We pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured'
We pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured at the Midnapore rally today. The government is giving all help for medical treatment
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 16, 2018
Praise
Audience stays for Modi's speech even after collapse, earns praise
Though there was chaos immediately after the collapse, the audience was seen as strong as before, with only a few people leaving.
This triggered applause from Modi.
"Today I witnessed a new force of the people of Bengal. Can anyone imagine that one-third of the pandal came down and yet the meeting continued peacefully. I shall remember this meeting for the rest of my life," he said.