Dharan church collapse claims 23 lives, many more injured At least 23 people have been killed and some 65 injured when a church in the eastern town of Dharan in Sunsari district collapsed Tuesday night. Four children were among those who lost their lives when the three-storied church with a tin roof crumbled at Victoria Chowk. As the fatal incident took place at night, the magnitude of casualty was high. The deceased have been identified as Dilmaya Lugun, 82, of Jhapa, Rajesh Rai, 23, of Udaypur, Salmi Tamang, 16, of Jhapa, Rajen Rai, 26, of Morang, Kalabati Khausiyar, 40, Kisan Chaudhary, 60, of Morang, Punam Magar, 50, of Morang, Kumari Tamang, Peter Lawati, 48, Kalpana Thagam, 25, of Kaski, Nandakishor Limbu, 65, of Itahari, Saroja Limbu, 40, of Jhapa, Asharam Rai, 12, of Jhapa, Sarita Dipali, 48, of Lalitpur, Sipola Subba, 9, of Jhapa, Nandimaya BK, 9, of Jhapa, Abhisekh Rai, 10, Pabitra Limbu, 35, of Morang, Goma Bhujel, 60, of Sunsari, Arati Maya Rai, 55, of Dharan, Marcy Mese, 28, of Jhapa, Suleman Tamang, 7, of Kathmandu and Indian national Neru Rai, 35. Those sustaining injuries are undergoing medical treatment at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan. It is reported that some 1,800 people, including Indian nationals, had congregated at the church to attend an international seminar which began on Monday. The cause behind the collapse is yet to be ascertained. However, it is reported that temporary tent constructed of bamboo poles collapsed due to excessive people. PM expresses condolence Meanwhile, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has expressed sorrow at the death of 23 persons in the Church collapse and expressed condolence to the bereaved families. Issuing a statement, the prime minister said he is "extremely shocked and saddened" to hear the news of death of 23 people and injuries of 65 persons in the incident. "I express heartfelt condolence to the departed souls and wish for speedy recovery of those injured," he said. (Source: Nepalnews)

Denzin · Sep 30, 2009 7:30 AM

Sorry to hear, wish a peace to all departed soul.A question raised in my head, who has been converted to Christianity ?  Most of them are non-thread wearer. Why?????????

syanjali · Sep 30, 2009 7:49 AM

I think it doesn't matter...Poverty, illiteracy, ignorance, and lack of faith in original religion are mainly to be blamed...Oh well, who cares if you get shit load of money just for saying that you are Christian!!

Denzin · Sep 30, 2009 8:19 AM

There is no health and safety standard in Nepal. We only say sorry when something bad happens.

no_quiero · Sep 30, 2009 10:47 AM

Those Christian missionaries who converted poor Nepali and brought them to the church to die like this should be harshly punished. They should have built a safe tent. In USA, if Hareram Harekrishna does that, govt would have taken HRHK's property and given it to the family of dead. We should do the same. We should harshly punish those who brought the poor Nepali people to those unsafe tent in the name of Christianity.

Pire · Sep 30, 2009 12:43 PM