16-yr-old boy dies after 45-foot fall at BAPS temple in US : The Tribune India

Join Whatsapp Channel

16-yr-old boy dies after 45-foot fall at BAPS temple in US

NEW YORK: A 16-year-old boy in the US has died after falling about 45-feet while volunteering on a construction project inside a Hindu temple in New Jersey, police said.

16-yr-old boy dies after 45-foot fall at BAPS temple in US

Photo for representational purpose only. iStock



New York, August 19

A 16-year-old boy in the US has died after falling about 45-feet while volunteering on a construction project inside a Hindu temple in New Jersey, police said.

The boy from Hatfield, Pennsylvania, was volunteering on a construction project at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir campus on Thursday in Robbinsville when he fell, Robbinsville police spokesman Lt Michael Polaski said.

The teen was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton, where he died an hour later, NBC Philadelphia reported.

"The victim fell about 45-feet and the fall appears to be an accident, but it is still under investigation," Polaski said.

Police have not released the identity of the victim.

Vinay Limbachia, a volunteer at the temple, said people at the temple were looking into what exactly the boy was helping with.

The temple is inside a larger structure. The boy's fall occurred inside the structure, but in an area next to the temple.

The boy and his family usually worshipped at the faith's temple in Lansdale, Limbachia said.

A second temple remains under construction on the campus.

A spokesperson said the worship site has been built completely by volunteers.

The BAPS called the incident as a "tragic accident" and promised to work with Robbinsville Police.

"The entire BAPS family is heartbroken by the tragic accident that took the life of one of our young volunteers," the organisation said in a statement.

"The prayers, condolences, and support of every BAPS family are with the family of this talented young man, whose loss will be felt by all those fortunate to have known him," they said.

The temple with its intricate marble carvings and Indian design was dedicated in August 2014 and draws thousands of worshipers from around the world.

Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a volunteer-driven religious and charitable organisation founded in the early 20th century and named after Swaminarayan, a religious leader of the late 1700s and early 1800s.

It has major worship centres in Mumbai, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Nairobi, Sydney, and Toronto. —PTI

Top News

Arvind Kejriwal to be produced before Delhi court today as 6-day ED custody ends

Excise policy case: Delhi court extends ED custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till April 1

In his submissions, Kejriwal said, ‘I am named by 4 witnesse...

Delhi High Court dismisses PIL to remove Arvind Kejriwal from CM post after arrest

Delhi High Court dismisses PIL to remove Arvind Kejriwal from CM post after arrest

The bench refuses to comment on merits of the issue, saying ...

‘Unwarranted, unacceptable’: India on US remarks on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest

‘Unwarranted, unacceptable’: India on US remarks on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest

MEA spokesperson says India is proud of its independent and ...

Bullying Congress culture, no wonder being rejected: PM Modi, backs senior lawyers who flagged attempts to undermine public trust in judiciary

Bullying Congress culture, no wonder being rejected: PM Modi

Backs senior lawyers who flagged attempts to undermine publi...

Explainer: Why BJP is flying solo in Punjab and Odisha

Explainer: Why BJP is flying solo in Punjab and Odisha

A multi-cornered contest is always advantageous for BJP; it ...


Cities

View All