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15 Dead in India Stampede at Kumbh Mela Festival
At least 15 people were killed, and many others were injured in a stampede during the Kumbh Mela festival in India, the world’s largest religious gathering, according to a doctor at the site. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, underscoring the dangers posed by the immense crowds that gather at this sacred event.
The Kumbh Mela, a six-week festival, is a key event on the Hindu religious calendar, attracting millions of devotees who come to bathe at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers in a ritual believed to cleanse sins. Wednesday, in particular, was a highly anticipated day for worshippers, marking one of the holiest days of the festival.
“At least 15 people have died so far, and others are receiving treatment,” said a doctor at the festival site in Prayagraj, who spoke anonymously. Emergency rescue teams were seen working tirelessly, carrying the victims from the site, which was littered with abandoned shoes, clothes, and other personal belongings. Police officers transported bodies covered in blankets, while anxious relatives waited nearby, hoping for news of their loved ones.
The stampede began after crowd control barriers reportedly collapsed, triggering chaos among the thousands of devotees navigating the crowded walking routes. "Suddenly, the crowd started pushing, and many people were crushed," said Malti Pandey, a witness to the tragedy. Local authorities confirmed the barriers’ failure caused the deadly surge.
As authorities worked to manage the aftermath, they urged pilgrims to avoid the main bathing area for their safety. “We humbly request all devotees not to approach the main bathing spot,” a staff member announced over a loudspeaker. "Please cooperate with security personnel."
Despite these warnings, some pilgrims chose to leave early, fearing further incidents. "My family got scared after hearing the news and seeing the scene at the bathing site," said attendee Sanjay Nishad. "So, we're leaving now."
The festival, which draws comparisons to a temporary city, is expected to host up to 400 million visitors before it concludes on February 26. Organizers had ramped up security measures, installing hundreds of surveillance cameras and drones to monitor crowd movement and prevent such incidents. However, the risk of crowd-related disasters has remained a persistent concern. In 1954, over 400 people died in a single-day stampede, while 36 others perished in a similar incident during the last Kumbh Mela held in Prayagraj in 2013.
As the festival continues, officials are under growing pressure to balance the spiritual significance of the event with the safety of the millions who participate.