Stampede at religious gathering in Hathras: Death toll climbs above 115, more casualties feared

Uttar Pradesh: At least 116 people, including women and children, were killed in a stampede at a religious congregation in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district on Tuesday, officials said.

The 'satsang' of Lord Shiva, organised by the Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavna Samagam Committee, was being held in Ratibhanpur and a huge crowd had gathered there to listen to the religious discourse.

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The religious event, dedicated to Lord Shiva, took place in Ratibhanpur. Following the conclusion of the event, a stampede occurred, causing injuries to several attendees, including women and children.Most of the dead were women, according to state chief medical officer Umesh Kumar Tripathi, who told reporters "many injured" have been admitted to hospital.

"So far the death toll is 87 and the number of injured is 18 and they are out of danger. We are focusing on providing relief and medical aid for the victims," said Chaitra V., divisional commissioner of Aligarh city in Uttar Pradesh state.

The president of India has expressed condolonces to those who lost lives in the accident

Sikandara Rao police station SHO Ashish Kumar said, that the stampede apparently occurred due to overcrowding.Many were crushed or trampled, falling on top of each other, with some collapsing into a roadside drain in the chaos.

In response to the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to promptly reach the site and accelerate relief efforts. He has also emphasised ensuring proper treatment for the injured at the hospital and conveyed his wishes for their swift recovery. He has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to those injured in the incident.

The Chief Minister’s Office has sought a detailed report about the organisers of the 'satsang', stating that strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

Meanwhile, senior officials, including Agra ADG Aparna Kulshretra, have reached the site of the incident to supervise the rescue operations.

Eyewitness Shakuntala Devi told that the stampede took place while people were leaving the venue after the ‘satsang', which was a day-long affair. People fell atop each other, she said, and then the bodies were pulled out.