The floor of a Hindu temple in India collapsed, killing 35 peoplea local authority said this Friday, while the rescue operation is still active.

Dozens of believers celebrated a large religious festival in the city of Indore on Thursday the ground gave way and they fell into a pit surrounded by steps used in religious rituals.

“35 people are dead. One person is still missing. Rescue operations are underwaythe district magistrate of the city of Ilayaraja T. told the AFP By phone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday he was “extremely sorry” for the accident.

“The state government is leading the rescue and relief work at a rapid pace,” Modi said, promising compensation of Rs 200,000 ($2,400) to the relatives of the victims.

This has been said by the interior minister of the state of Madhya Pradesh, where Indore is located An investigation was opened into the causes of the accident.

Police officer Manish Kapooriya told the AFP that rescue operations continued and that the survivors were taken to hospital.

Television pictures showed paramedics installing ropes and ladders to reach trapped people In the well.

The temples of all India overflowed with devotees on the occasion of the festival of Navami branch, which celebrates the birthday of the Hindu deity Rama.