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STORY: At least 36 people were killed and 16 were injured after the roof of a stepwell in this temple complex collapsed in India, a local government official said on Friday (March 31).

The incident occurred in the central city of Indore after a concrete slab covering the roof of the stepwell gave way.

It crushed the devotees who had gathered to celebrate the Hindu festival of Ram Navami on Thursday (March 30), officials said.

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh state is Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

"An investigation has been ordered into the accident and magistrate-level investigation will also take place which will find out who was responsible. The police have also registered a case and, based on the investigation, action will be taken against the culprits. Our priority right now is to complete the rescue operation and find the one missing person. The injured are undergoing treatment in the hospital."

Chouhan told reporters that a slab covering the stepwell collapsed due to the crowd and "extra load" on it.

Stepwells are a common feature across the country. They were built hundreds of years ago and many of them are ornately decorated, with access to a body of water through stairs and niches.

At least 75 army and rescue personnel worked through the day to remove debris, using ropes and ladders to pull out people who had fallen into the well, local media reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced compensation for the dead and injured in the incident.