HATHRAS, INDIA – A tragic stampede at a religious gathering in northern India on Tuesday left more than 116 people dead and numerous others injured, officials reported. The incident occurred in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, during an event led by a Hindu guru known locally as Bhole Baba.
Authorities were initially uncertain about the cause of the panic that led to the stampede. However, local reports suggested that extreme heat and poor ventilation inside the makeshift tent might have contributed to the chaos. Video footage from the scene showed the tent had collapsed, adding to the confusion and danger.
Prashant Kumar, the director-general of police in Uttar Pradesh, confirmed that at least 116 people lost their lives, with the majority being women and children. More than 80 others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, according to senior police officer Shalabh Mathur.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene where people fell over each other in a desperate attempt to escape. “People started falling one upon another, one upon another. Those who were crushed died. People there pulled them out,” said Shakuntala Devi, a witness to the tragedy.
The aftermath was equally heart-wrenching, as relatives gathered outside local hospitals, mourning the loss of their loved ones. Bodies covered in white sheets were lined up on stretchers, while additional victims arrived by bus, their bodies lying on the seats inside.
Deadly stampedes are not uncommon during Indian religious festivals, where large crowds often gather in areas with inadequate infrastructure and safety measures. Police officer Rajesh Singh noted that the event in Hathras had likely exceeded its permitted capacity, with more than 15,000 attendees instead of the authorized 5,000.
In response to the tragedy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and assured that the federal government was coordinating with state authorities to provide aid to the injured. Uttar Pradesh’s chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, described the incident as “heart-wrenching” and announced an investigation into the causes of the stampede.
The incident has sparked criticism from public figures, including Rajesh Kumar Jha, a member of parliament, who questioned the accountability of state and federal governments in managing large crowds. “Look what happened and how many people have lost their lives. Will anyone be accountable?” he asked, emphasizing the need for stricter safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.