4 From Karnataka, One Each From Assam, Gujarat Among Those Killed In Maha Kumbh Stampede

The barricades collapsed due to pressure, following which people rushed to the other side, trampling devotees who were waiting for the Brahma Muhurat snan.

At least 30 people were killed and 60 others injured in a stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on January 29.

Source : PTI

At least 30 people were killed and 60 others sustained injuries on Wednesday in a stampede at the Sangam Nose as devotees jostled for space to take a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. 

Out of the 30 deceased, 25 have been identified, while the remaining five are yet to be identified. Some of the deceased include devotees from other states as well. Four of the deceased were from Karnataka, and one each from Assam, Jharkhand, and Gujarat. Among those injured, 36 are undergoing treatment at the hospital and the rest have been taken by their families. 

The 58-year-old man killed in the stampede had reportedly travelled to Prayagraj with a group of 16 pilgrims. While most of those who travelled with him came with their families, he undertook the journey alone. Sanjay Gupta had just reached the Sangam late on Tuesday night, moments before the tragic incident took place. He had to walk 21 kilometres to reach Sangam, Gupta's wife told India Today.

The incident occurred before the Brahma Muhurat between 1 AM and 2 AM, when a massive crowd built up on the Akhara Marg in the Mela area rushed to take the holy dip. 

Later in the day, Mela Officer Vijay Kiran Anand and DIG Vaibhav Krishna provided details, explaining how the barricades collapsed due to pressure, causing the incident. After the barricades collapsed, people rushed to the other side, trampling devotees who were waiting for the Brahma Muhurat snan. 

Following this, the administration immediately carried out rescue operations and cleared the crowd at the incident spot. As many as 90 injured people were rushed to the hospital by ambulance. However, 30 devotees lost their lives. 

The Mela administration has issued a helpline number (1920) for devotees’ assistance and tracing the missing persons. The situation has been brought under control.

In view of the incident, the Mela administration also issued strict orders that no VIP protocol would be followed and that this rule will apply to all major bathing festivals. Meanwhile, a total 6.99 crore devotees have taken the holy dip on January 29. 

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences over the Maha Kumbh stampede. He assured the Police, Administration, NDRF, and SDRF have been deployed and all other arrangements that could be made besides this have been made to ensure the safety of the devotees.  

#WATCH | On Mahakumbh stampede, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says "The incident is heart-wrenching. We express our deepest condolences to all those families who lost their loved ones. We have been in constant touch with the administration since last night. The Mela Authority,… pic.twitter.com/3dsSeVxmOg

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025