Lucknow: A devastating stampede at a Hindu religious event in Uttar Pradesh has resulted in the deaths of 121 attendees, making it one of the deadliest such incidents in India in over a decade.
According to Kashmir Media Service, The tragic event took place in Hathras during a gathering that drew an estimated 250,000 people, far exceeding the venue’s capacity. The stampede ensued as attendees, eager to collect soil from beneath a preacher’s footsteps, were caught in a panic, possibly triggered by a sudden dust storm. Witnesses recounted horrific scenes of individuals, including women and children, being crushed or falling into a waterlogged ditch as the crowd surged uncontrollably.
Local police officer Sheela Maurya, present at the site, described the overwhelming rush of the crowd attempting to leave simultaneously, leading to disastrous consequences. The Office of the Relief Commissioner in Uttar Pradesh confirmed the death toll the following morning, underscoring the severity of the incident.
This catastrophe highlights critical issues related to crowd control and safety standards at large-scale religious events in India, which have seen similar tragedies in the past. The incident calls for urgent attention to improving infrastructure and planning to prevent future occurrences.