The Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj, India, turned tragic as at least 30 attendees lost their lives during a stampede on Wednesday. Hundreds of thousands had gathered for the event, which is the largest religious festival in the world. Reports indicate that the chaos ensued around 1 AM as devotees surged towards the riverbanks to participate in a crucial sacred bathing ritual, coinciding with the festival's most significant day.
Eyewitness accounts described a frantic scene, with clothes, shoes, and belongings littering the ground as injuries mounted. The crowd control efforts failed as the authorities struggled to manage the overwhelming influx of participants, leading to at least 60 injuries alongside the fatalities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the families affected, while police confirmed that 90 of the injured had been treated at hospitals.
Poonam Singh, a devotee who lost seven family members, expressed her distress, revealing that she lost all her belongings amidst the chaos. She and many others experienced a gut-wrenching blend of uncertainty and horror as they searched for missing relatives. “I can’t find my family anywhere,” she shared, emphasizing the confusion that engulfed the area before rescue attempts began.
As night fell, the atmosphere remained grim with rescue efforts ongoing, and many remained at lost and found centers hoping for news of loved ones. With critics citing mismanagement by authorities, calls for improved safety measures during such large-scale gatherings have surged.
The Kumbh Mela festival occurs every 12 years at the holy Sangam, where millions believe bathing will absolve them of sins. Despite the somber turn of events, the festival continues, with many gathered not far from the site of tragedy. Authorities are now working to ensure safety and control at the venue as mournful scenes underscore the necessity for better planning for crowd management at religious events.
Eyewitness accounts described a frantic scene, with clothes, shoes, and belongings littering the ground as injuries mounted. The crowd control efforts failed as the authorities struggled to manage the overwhelming influx of participants, leading to at least 60 injuries alongside the fatalities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the families affected, while police confirmed that 90 of the injured had been treated at hospitals.
Poonam Singh, a devotee who lost seven family members, expressed her distress, revealing that she lost all her belongings amidst the chaos. She and many others experienced a gut-wrenching blend of uncertainty and horror as they searched for missing relatives. “I can’t find my family anywhere,” she shared, emphasizing the confusion that engulfed the area before rescue attempts began.
As night fell, the atmosphere remained grim with rescue efforts ongoing, and many remained at lost and found centers hoping for news of loved ones. With critics citing mismanagement by authorities, calls for improved safety measures during such large-scale gatherings have surged.
The Kumbh Mela festival occurs every 12 years at the holy Sangam, where millions believe bathing will absolve them of sins. Despite the somber turn of events, the festival continues, with many gathered not far from the site of tragedy. Authorities are now working to ensure safety and control at the venue as mournful scenes underscore the necessity for better planning for crowd management at religious events.
