Akola: Nearly seven people were killed and five were injured after a massive tree fell on a tin shed in Maharashtra’s Akola on Sunday.

According to the police, 35 to 40 people were buried under the shed while seven lost their lives. The incident took place at around 7 Pm infront of a temple during a religious ceremony when heavy rainfall and strong winds caused an old Neem tree to fall on a tin shed under which devotees were taking shelter.

Five others were admitted to Akola Medical College where their treatment is underway. Emergency services were pressed into action for rescue work while JCB machines were brought in to lift the tree trunk and the collapsed shed.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and announced that the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra Government will provide financial assistance to the families of those killed.