Maha Kumbh Mela Tragedy: 15 Feared Dead, 70 Injured In Stampede At Prayagraj

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Prayagraj: A deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Wednesday left at least 15 people feared dead and around 70 injured as a massive crowd gathered for a pre-dawn holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. The incident occurred amid an overwhelming influx of devotees, drawn by the rare celestial alignment taking place after 144 years.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as a barrier collapsed, leading to panic and a desperate rush among the tightly packed pilgrims. People were seen crying for help while rescuers struggled to control the situation. Video footage from the site showed bodies and injured devotees being carried away on stretchers, while others attempted to escape the stampede.

Authorities had expected a record-breaking 100 million pilgrims in Prayagraj for the auspicious occasion and had bolstered security measures, deployed additional medical personnel, and arranged special transport facilities. However, the sheer size of the crowd proved difficult to manage. Tens of millions have participated in the Maha Kumbh Mela since it began on January 13, believing that a dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers absolves them of sins and grants salvation.

Following the tragedy, the “Amrit Snan” was suspended. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath multiple times, urging immediate support measures. In a post on X, Adityanath urged devotees to remain at the nearest ghats instead of pushing toward the Sangam and not to believe in rumors. Officials have assured that rescue efforts are ongoing, and medical teams are working to provide urgent treatment to the injured.

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