At least 14 people died after falling into a well during a wedding ceremony in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, media outlets revealed on Thursday.
Police said the victims were sitting on a metal slab covering the well when it collapsed under their weight, noting that the victims were 13 women and a girl.
In addition, two more people have been injured in the accident, which took place in the Kushinagar district.
On his part, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the deaths "heart-wrenching".
The tragedy took place on Wednesday evening during the traditional "haldi" ceremony, a ritual holy in which relatives apply turmeric paste to the faces of the bride and groom, according to the reports.
After the slab broke, other guests ran to rescue the victims and took them to a nearby hospital.
Accordingly, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has asked district authorities to assist the families of the victims, while district magistrate S Rajalingam said they will be paid compensation.
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