At least 27 crushed to death in India religious gathering: govt
World
By
AFP
| Jul 02, 2024
At least 27 people were crushed to death at a Hindu religious gathering in northern India, with several more injured and fears the toll could rise, government medics said Tuesday.
"We have received 27 bodies so far... bodies are still coming," Uttar Pradesh state senior medical officer Ram Mohan Tiwari told AFP.
Crowds had gathered to celebrate the Hindu deity Shiva in the city of Hathras, some 140 kilometres (87 miles) southeast of New Delhi.
Umesh Kumar Tripathi, chief medical officer, told reporters the dead were 25 women and two men.
READ MORE
Small lenders lead in race for cheap loans
How rot in police force drives away businesses
How Kenyans can get jobs in Germany under new pact
Race to pick second CBK deputy intensifies as six shortlisted
Kakuzi announces Sh100 million investment plan
Government banks on incentives to attract investment in tourism sector, Miano
Intrigues that led to ouster of maritime agency boss
How the new building code will tame rogue developers
KQ, Jambojet flights disrupted after fuel supply glitch
Cost of State emergency loans spikes on higher CBK base rate
"Many injured have also been admitted," Tripathi said. "The primary reason is a stampede during a religious event."
Deadly accidents are common at places of worship in India during major religious festivals.
At least 112 people were killed in 2016 after a huge explosion caused by a banned fireworks display at a temple marking the Hindu new year.
The blast ripped through concrete buildings and ignited a fire at a temple complex in Kerala state, where thousands had gathered.
Another 115 devotees died in 2013 after a stampede at a bridge near a temple in Madhya Pradesh.
Up to 400,000 people were gathered in the area, and the stampede occurred after a rumour spread that the bridge was about to collapse.
About 224 pilgrims died and more than 400 others were injured in a 2008 stampede at a hilltop temple in the northern city of Jodhpur.
- Doctors want Nairobi Hospital board audited, shown the door
- National Assembly approves Douglas Kanja's nomination as IG
- Raila criticised for invoking Uhuru's name in deal with Ruto