A platform collapsed at a festival in India, killing at least five worshippers and injuring dozens more this morning.

Hundreds of devotees were taking part in the religious event when the accident happened at the Nirvana Laddu Festival of Lord Adinath in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday morning, January 28.

Authorities confirmed that the structure gave way without warning inside the Manastambha Complex in the Gandhi Road area of Badaut city.

Reports indicated that the nearly 65ft stage, along with its stairs, suddenly collapsed just as participants were climbing onto it to join the religious ceremony.

Officials said that around 80 devotees were injured in the incident, with most of them being taken to the hospital by e-rickshaws due to a lack of ambulances.

Dramatic footage shows the scene, with panicked locals swarming the area.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken note of the incident. He directed officials to reach the site immediately and expedite relief efforts.

The Nirvana Laddu Festival commemorates the liberation of Lord Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara. Celebrated annually at temples dedicated to him, the festival involves prayers, rituals, and the distribution of sacred laddus. It takes place on the 13th day of the dark half of Magha (January–February) in the Jain calendar, symbolising spiritual joy and blessings.