A sad day for the most populous nation on Earth (They passed China this year)
A devastating stampede at a religious event in northern India has resulted in the deaths of at least 105 individuals, with numerous others injured, according to official statements released on Tuesday. The catastrophe also heavily impacted women and children.
The incident occurred when attendees tried to quickly exit a temporary tent after an event featuring the Hindu figure Bhole Baba. Reports suggested that the combination of heat and lack of ventilation may have triggered the rush to leave. Visuals from the scene showed the collapsed structure, with people expressing their grief loudly over the lost lives.
My thoughts are with those bereaved in Hathras. Prayers with the injured. The UP Government is working to assist those affected. pic.twitter.com/hAhD5xFD1M
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 2, 2024
A senior police official, Shalabh Mathur, from Uttar Pradesh, confirmed the casualties, noting that 84 individuals were receiving medical treatment in various hospitals.
Stampedes are unfortunately not uncommon at Indian religious festivals, which often attract large crowds to poorly equipped and tightly confined spaces.
Rajesh Singh, another police officer, noted that the event likely suffered from severe overcrowding. It was held in a village in the Hathras district, roughly 350 kilometers southwest of Lucknow, the state capital. Initial estimates indicated that the gathering drew over 15,000 people, though official permissions only allowed for 5,000.
Shocked and saddened to hear of the unfolding tragedy at a satsang in Hathras. 122 devotees dead, many more seriously injured. My sincere condolences. Terrible news. pic.twitter.com/TX2R6IWvJ0
— Anand Ranganathan (@ARanganathan72) July 2, 2024
Eyewitness accounts provided a harrowing picture of the tragedy. “People started falling one upon another, and those trapped underneath were crushed to death,” recounted Shakuntala Devi, a witness. Government official Matadin Saroj reported that following the incident, bodies were moved to hospitals and morgues using both trucks and private vehicles.
In response to the tragedy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the bereaved families and mentioned that the federal government was collaborating with state officials to support the injured. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, expressed profound sorrow over the incident on a social media platform, describing it as “extremely sad and heart-wrenching,” and announced that an investigation was underway to determine the cause.
Over 50 people died in stampede at Satsang in UP’s Hathras.
Death toll is likely to increase.
1. What’s the cause of stampede? Sakar Vishwa Hari Baba and organizers must be booked.
2. What was administration doing?
Who approved large gathering without ensuring safety measures? pic.twitter.com/7gfRCqRSvN— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) July 2, 2024
This event echoes previous tragedies at religious gatherings in India, such as the 2013 stampede in Madhya Pradesh where fears of a collapsing bridge led to the deaths of at least 115 people, and the 2011 incident in Kerala where over 100 devotees perished at a festival.
Major Points
- A stampede at a religious gathering in northern India resulted in at least 105 deaths and numerous injuries.
- The incident occurred as attendees attempted to exit a temporary tent during an event featuring Hindu figure Bhole Baba.
- Overcrowding was a significant factor, with over 15,000 people present despite authorization for only 5,000.
- The Prime Minister and Uttar Pradesh’s chief minister offered condolences and stated that investigations and support efforts were underway.
- Similar deadly stampedes have occurred during religious festivals in India, underscoring the need for better safety measures.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
