New Delhi: A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj early Wednesday morning resulted in the loss of at least 30 lives and left 60 others injured. The incident occurred just before the crucial ‘Amrit Snan’ on Mauni Amavasya, one of the most significant bathing rituals of the Kumbh Mela.
The event, expected to witness nearly 10 crore pilgrims, saw chaos unfold when devotees surged toward the sacred Triveni Sangam. According to officials, the stampede began between 1 and 2 am, ahead of the Brahm Muhurta. A massive crowd had gathered on the Akhara route, causing barricades to break. In the ensuing commotion, people from one side rushed forward, trampling those who were waiting for the Brahm Muhurta.
Authorities swiftly launched rescue operations and established a green corridor for ambulances, transporting 90 injured people to nearby hospitals. Unfortunately, 30 devotees succumbed to their injuries despite immediate medical intervention.
Sarojini, an eyewitness from Karnataka who arrived with a group of 60 pilgrims, recounted the horrific incident. “We were nine people together when the crowd suddenly started pushing. We got trapped, many of us fell, and everything spiraled out of control. There was no escape; people were pushing from all sides,” she said.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “The accident at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely saddening. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I also wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The local administration is doing everything possible to assist the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and am in constant touch with the state government.”
To aid affected devotees and their families, the Mela administration has issued a helpline number: 1920. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have implemented additional crowd-control measures to prevent further incidents.
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