Mahakumbh Nagar: A stampede-like situation erupted at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh on Wednesday, leading to fears of multiple casualties. Reports suggest that more than 10 people are feared dead in the chaos. The chaos occurred as a large number of pilgrims gathered for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, one of the most prominent days of the religious event, officials confirmed.
News agency AFP, citing a doctor, reported that at least 15 people have died. "'At least 15 people have died for now. Others are being treated,' said the doctor in Prayagraj city, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to talk to media." The information is still being verified.
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Akanksha Rana, Officer on Special Duty for the Mela, explained that some people had sustained injuries after a barrier at the Sangam broke. “Some people have got injured and have been hospitalised after a barrier broke at the Sangam. We are yet to have the exact count of those injured,” she said.
The event, which is expected to attract around 10 crore pilgrims this year, witnessed a surge in crowds due to the rare celestial alignment of 'Triveni Yog', which occurs once in 144 years, adding to the day’s spiritual significance.
Victims of the incident were swiftly taken to the central hospital set up within the Mela grounds. Relatives and senior officials from both the administrative and police departments gathered at the hospital to provide assistance.
Eyewitness accounts of chaos
Sarojini, a pilgrim from Karnataka, shared her experience of the terrifying moment. “We came in a batch of 60 people in two buses, we were nine people in the group. Suddenly there was pushing in the crowd, and we got trapped. A lot of us fell down and the crowd went uncontrolled,” she said, tearfully recounting her ordeal outside the hospital. “There was no chance for escape, there was pushing from all sides,” she added.
The stampede took place in the early hours of Wednesday, as thousands of devotees gathered at the Sangam and other ghats along the 12-kilometre stretch of river banks for the Maha Kumbh.
The Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, is considered one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh, especially on special dates like Mauni Amavasya, washes away their sins and grants them 'moksha' or salvation.
Authorities urged pilgrims to follow safety guidelines
Ahead of the high-traffic day, Mela authorities had issued safety advisories, urging pilgrims to follow crowd-management guidelines to avoid accidents. Devotees were advised to use designated lanes, stay in their lanes while approaching the bathing area, and avoid lingering at the ghats after taking a dip. The authorities also stressed the importance of maintaining order at barricades and pontoon bridges to prevent accidents.
Pilgrims were reminded that all ghats at Sangam are equally sacred and encouraged to bathe at the first ghat they reach to help reduce overcrowding.
As authorities continue to assess the situation, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges involved in managing such massive gatherings.
Agency
Published: 29 Jan 2025, 06:24 am IST
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