Two killed, several injured as balcony collapses during Muharram procession in Lucknow

Lucknow: Two boys were killed and several others injured after a balcony collapsed during a Muharram procession in the Mahona area of Lucknow on Saturday, officials said.

The victims, identified as 12-year-old Ali and 14-year-old Arman, were among those standing on the balcony, which gave way during the procession.

According to Municipal Councillor Ashfaq, the incident occurred while food and sharbat were being distributed from a house along the procession route. As people gathered below and reached up to collect the refreshments, some reportedly grabbed onto the balcony, causing the structure to collapse.

The collapse trapped several people beneath the debris. Ali and Arman were declared dead, while at least eight others were taken to hospital with injuries.

Police and emergency personnel rushed to the scene and launched a rescue operation before shifting the injured for treatment.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Gopal Krishna Chaudhary said police received information about the balcony collapse in the Mahona area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Itaunja police station.

He said the two boys had been standing on the balcony distributing *sharbat* to participants in the Muharram procession when the structure collapsed under the weight. Around 10 people sustained injuries and were admitted to hospital.

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is observed with mourning processions, particularly by Shia Muslims, to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The incident occurred during Ashura observances, when large numbers of devotees had gathered for the procession.

(ANI)