116 people murdered in stampede at religious event in India
(MENAFN) A devastating stampede at a religious gathering in India's Hathras district, located in Uttar Pradesh, the country's most populous state, has resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries, including women and children as young as four years old. The incident occurred on Tuesday during a sermon delivered by Hindu preacher Bhole Baba, where attendees, primarily women, reportedly faced overcrowding and suffocation, prompting a rush that led to the stampede, according to the Hindustan Times.
Reports from the news agency indicated that the death toll had risen to 116 by Tuesday evening local time, with images and videos circulating on social media showing lifeless bodies, mainly of women, both on the ground and being transported by trucks and cars.
Survivors recounted the chaos, with Jyoti telling IANS news agency, "Suddenly there was pushing and shoving as there were more people than space allowed. The incident happened after the sermon ended, when everyone tried to leave at once." Witnesses also highlighted challenges at local health centers, where inadequate medical staff struggled to cope with the influx of survivors and bodies.
Local authorities clarified that the event was a private gathering held with official permission, emphasizing ongoing investigations into the circumstances that led to the tragic stampede. The incident has sparked widespread grief and calls for improved safety measures during religious gatherings and public events across India.
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