At least 35 people died and about 16 others were injured on Thursday, after the floor of a temple collapsed in India, according to a local government official.

The victims fell into a well surrounded by stairs used in religious rituals when the temple floor covering it collapsed under the weight of the crowd.

For his part, a senior local government official told Reuters: "We rescued 18 people, found 35 dead, and 16 others injured."

Local media also reported that at least 75 members of the army and rescue teams worked throughout the day to remove the rubble, using ropes and ladders to recover those who fell into the well, while authorities opened an investigation into the incident.

Indian temples welcomed many visitors on Thursday for Ram Navami celebrations, commemorating the birth of the Hindu god Rama.