A tragic incident unfolded during a religious event in Uttar Pradesh, India, resulting in the loss of at least 50 lives and leaving many others injured. The stampede occurred as thousands of devotees gathered for the event in Hathras.
Reports from the scene indicated that most of the victims were women and children who were caught in a crush while trying to exit the venue. The district magistrate mentioned that high humidity towards the end of the congregation may have triggered the chaos.
Medical officers in neighboring districts confirmed that more casualties were being brought to hospitals, raising concerns that the death toll could increase. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that relief and rescue efforts were underway to support the victims.
Videos circulating on social media showed a distressing scene of numerous bodies in the courtyard, highlighting the magnitude of the tragedy. The event, organized by a local guru, turned chaotic as the gathering concluded.
Authorities noted that the event exceeded the permitted capacity, leading to overcrowding and ultimately the stampede. Tragically, such incidents are not uncommon in India during religious gatherings due to inadequate safety measures.
The lack of effective crowd management strategies has been a recurring issue, with calls for better enforcement and planning to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The nation mourns the lives lost in this preventable disaster.
Mujib Mashal contributed reporting.
2024-07-02 09:05:00
Source from www.nytimes.com