25-year-old climbs 900 steps to Palghar temple, dies

VASAI: A 25-year-old who had climbed about 900 steps to reach a temple in Dahanu with his family members collapsed while on the way down and was later declared dead Tuesday morning.

Milan Dombre, a resident of Talasari, his wife, brother and other relatives had paid respects at Mahalaxmi temple perched atop a hillock. On their way down, Dombre started throwing up. His relatives and a few others tried to help him down quickly, but he lost consciousness en route. He was declared ‘dead on arrival' the rural hospital at Kasa.

While the post-mortem report is awaited, Dr Hemant Behre, medical officer of the hospital at Kasa expressed doubt that the man suffered a heart attack.

The temple has a lot of footfall on Tuesdays, Fridays and weekends. Many devotees trudge to the temple, ascending the steps to blessings of the goddess.