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| Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata |
Seventeen people have died in a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in northern Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Several others were injured in the incident. The deceased include 13 women, three men, and one child.
According to Indian media outlet NDTV, the incident occurred on Saturday night, October 17, at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata. Following the incident, rescue workers took the injured to the hospital.
Heavy Crowds and Rain Contributed to the Incident
According to a statement from Kolkata Police, the stampede occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. at the exit gate of the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Puja pandal, which falls under the jurisdiction of Girish Park Police Station. Heavy rainfall reportedly contributed to overcrowding at the venue.
After the incident, the injured were rescued and taken to MCH Hospital. According to the media report, approximately 35 people were transported to the hospital.
Concerns Over Entry and Exit Gates
A witness told news agency ANI that several people lost consciousness during the stampede. They were subsequently transported to the hospital using motorcycles and other vehicles.
The witness alleged that the entry and exit gates of the pandal were narrow. They also claimed that lighting in the area was inadequate. The witness said their daughter and grandchild were injured in the incident and were receiving treatment at the hospital.
Pandal Closed Following the Stampede
Following reports that 17 people had died in the stampede, police closed the pandal to visitors. Further details about the circumstances and causes of the incident will depend on information released by the relevant authorities.
Political Leaders Express Condolences
According to the report, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal visited the hospital following the incident.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy. Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also conveyed her condolences and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
In a message posted on X, Banerjee expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and wished them strength to endure their loss.
Source: Rewritten from a Dhaka Post report citing NDTV and ANI.