In Uttar Pradesh, northern India, a stampede occurred during a Hindu religious event on Tuesday, resulting in at least 87 deaths. The tragic incident took place in a village in the Hathras region, located about 200 kilometers (125 miles) southeast of the capital, New Delhi.
According to CNN, local authorities in the Hathras region have confirmed at least 60 fatalities, with another 27 individuals succumbing to injuries after being rushed to the nearby Etah Hospital in Etah district.
Satya Prakash, an official in Etah district, stated that the post-mortem procedures are underway, and the incident is currently under investigation.
Manish Chikara, a spokesperson for the regional police, informed Reuters over the phone that the exact number of casualties cannot be determined at the moment, and the death toll may rise.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh has ordered an investigation into the incident. He took to the social media platform X to instruct relevant officials to carry out rescue operations and provide proper treatment for the injured.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences on the tragic event, stating that he has discussed the matter with Adityanath. He extended sympathy to those who lost their loved ones in the incident and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
The identities of the victims are still being verified.
Ashish Kumar, the security official in the Hathras region, mentioned that the stampede occurred as people were preparing to leave after the event. A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the incident.
“The government’s top priority is to provide all possible assistance to the injured and the families of the deceased,” stated Kumar.
Heart-wrenching images from the scene of the accident are circulating on the internet.
Some videos show the injured being transported to hospitals in pickup trucks, auto-rickshaws, and even motorcycles. A video observed by the BBC depicted several bodies lying outside a local hospital, with relatives screaming for help.
Accidents during religious events in India are not uncommon due to large crowds gathering in confined spaces with minimal adherence to safety measures. In 2018, approximately 60 people lost their lives when a train struck a crowd observing the Hindu festival of Dusshera.
In 2013, a stampede during a Hindu festival in Madhya Pradesh resulted in the deaths of 115 individuals.