Maha Kumbh chaos: 30 killed, 60 injured in stampede at Prayagraj festival

Uttar Pradesh: At least 30 people lost their lives and over 60 others were injured in a tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj during the early hours of Wednesday. The chaos erupted as millions of pilgrims gathered for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar.

Tragic Stampede at Sangam

The stampede occurred around 2:30 AM at the Sangam area, where devotees were eager to participate in the Amrit Snan. DIG Vaibhav Krishna confirmed the casualties and injuries during a press conference, emphasizing that the surge of pilgrims contributed significantly to the disaster. Eyewitnesses reported that many devotees were jostling for space, leading to a panic-stricken situation.

Emergency Response and Hospitalization

In response to the unfolding tragedy, ambulances and police vehicles rushed to the scene as chants filled the air. Injured individuals were transported to a central hospital established within the Mela grounds, where relatives gathered anxiously. Security personnel were seen assisting those hurt, with personal belongings scattered across the area.

Government Officials React

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences via social media, stating that local authorities are providing all possible assistance to victims. He assured that he remains in constant communication with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding the situation. Adityanath later clarified that arrangements for the Amrit Snan were temporarily halted due to crowd pressure but resumed once conditions improved.

Calls for Safety and Order

The Chief Minister urged pilgrims to use alternative ghats for bathing to alleviate congestion at Sangam. He acknowledged that approximately 9-10 crore people were present in Prayagraj and emphasized that safety is the top priority. Meanwhile, Akanksha Rana, Officer on Special Duty for the Mela, noted that a barrier collapse contributed to the stampede.

Personal Accounts of Devotees

Devotees shared harrowing experiences of being trapped in the crowd. Sarojini from Karnataka recounted how her group was overwhelmed by pushing and shoving, leaving them with no escape route. Another devotee described witnessing people laughing amid chaos while they desperately sought safety for their children.

Resumption of Rituals

Despite the incident, Akharas resumed their procession towards Sangam later in the day, showered with flower petals from helicopters as they prepared for their holy dip. Mahant Ravindra Puri, head of the Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad, called for an investigation into what he termed a conspiracy by opposition parties regarding crowd management.This year's Maha Kumbh Mela has drawn millions from across India and beyond, with its significance heightened during auspicious occasions like Mauni Amavasya. The administration had previously issued advisories urging devotees to adhere to crowd management guidelines to ensure safety during such large gatherings.