Stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj: Several feared dead, over dozens injured amid massive pilgrim rush

Tragedy strikes Maha Kumbh mela A tragic stampede occurred at the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday, as millions of Hindu pilgrims gathered for a holy bath on Mauni Amavasya (New Moon). Several people were feared dead, while many others sustained injuries when chaos broke out following a barrier collapse, leading to […] The post Stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj: Several feared dead, over dozens injured amid massive pilgrim rush appeared first on PGurus.

Jan 29, 2025 - 05:37
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Stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj: Several feared dead, over dozens injured amid massive pilgrim rush
Authorities are investigating the cause of the barrier collapse and assessing further safety measures

Tragedy strikes Maha Kumbh mela

A tragic stampede occurred at the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday, as millions of Hindu pilgrims gathered for a holy bath on Mauni Amavasya (New Moon). Several people were feared dead, while many others sustained injuries when chaos broke out following a barrier collapse, leading to a crush of devotees trapped and trampled.

Stampede triggers panic amid record pilgrim turnout

The stampede occurred around 2 PM, as tens of thousands of pilgrims rushed towards the Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Distressed families lined up outside makeshift hospitals in search of missing relatives, while rescuers attended to the injured and authorities worked to control the crowds.

Personal belongings such as clothes, blankets, and backpacks were seen scattered at the scene, while officials struggled to determine the exact cause of the panic. Some reports suggested at least 10 deaths, though official confirmation was awaited.

Unwavering devotion despite tragedy

Despite the tragic incident, millions of devotees continued to throng the Kumbh site, with officials urging pilgrims to avoid the Sangam and use other riverbanks. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to social media, urging people to remain calm and not believe in rumors.

The Maha Kumbh festival, which occurs every 12 years, is the largest religious gathering in the world. Authorities estimate over 400 million pilgrims will visit Prayagraj throughout the six-week event, with nearly 150 million already attending since its commencement on January 13, 2025.

Historical stampedes at Kumbh mela

Stampedes at Kumbh Mela are not uncommon due to overcrowding and inadequate safety measures. Here are some past incidents:

  • 1954: A stampede on February 3 in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) during Mauni Amavasya killed nearly 800 people, making it one of the deadliest in India’s history.
  • 1986: A stampede in Haridwar during a VIP visit resulted in at least 200 deaths as security restrictions led to a panic-induced crush.
  • 2003: A stampede in Nashik during the Kumbh Mela at the Godavari River claimed 39 lives, with over 100 injured.
  • 2013: A bridge collapse at Allahabad train station during Kumbh led to a stampede that killed 42 people and left 45 injured.

Massive security measures in place

With safety concerns, authorities deployed 50,000 security personnel and installed 2,500+ AI-powered cameras for real-time crowd monitoring. A sprawling tent city with 3,000 kitchens, 150,000 toilets, and 11 hospitals was established to accommodate the surge in visitors.

Despite these efforts, stampedes remain a recurring challenge, with overcrowding and lack of proper crowd management contributing to the risks.

Rescue operations underway

Rescue operations were immediately launched, with injured pilgrims transported to hospitals for treatment. Authorities are investigating the cause of the barrier collapse and assessing further safety measures.

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing need for better crowd control and infrastructure planning at one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.

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The post Stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj: Several feared dead, over dozens injured amid massive pilgrim rush appeared first on PGurus.

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