27 devotees injured as temporary shelter collapses

Palani: As many as 27 people, including five children, were injured after a temporary tin shelter collapsed during a spell of sudden heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, on Thursday at Palani in Dindigul district.A group of pilgrims from Thanjavur and Virudhunagar completed a holy dip at Idumban Kulam near Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple and headed for darshan when the weather changed abruptly. As they rushed to take cover under a nearby temporary tin shed established on behalf of the Idumban temple authorities, strong gusts of wind ripped through the structure, causing the roof to crash down on them.Police personnel and bystanders immediately launched rescue efforts and shifted the injured to the Palani govt hospital for further treatment.Revenue officials and temple authorities rushed to the spot and initiated safety checks. No case was registered by the police.