[News] At least 15 dead in stampede at India's Maha Kumbh festival

[Rimuru]

A tragic stampede occurred on Wednesday, January 29th, at the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering, in Prayagraj, India. The incident resulted in at least 15 deaths and numerous injuries. According to a doctor at the festival, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, the victims are being treated at a makeshift hospital. An AFP photographer witnessed rescuers and worshippers evacuating victims from the scene, while local officials confirmed multiple hospitalizations. The Hindustan Times reported that the massive crowd made it difficult for authorities to manage and control the situation, leading to the stampede. The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, attracts over 400 million visitors. The sheer number of people attending the festival, coupled with the lack of adequate crowd control measures, likely contributed to the stampede. The incident highlights the importance of effective crowd management and safety protocols at large-scale events, particularly those with high concentrations of people. Following the incident, public announcements were made asking devotees to vacate the area. The stampede serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with large gatherings, and underscores the need for robust safety measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The event has prompted renewed calls for improved crowd control measures and safety protocols at religious gatherings and other large-scale events worldwide.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/stampede-india-maha-kumbh-festival-dead-injured-4902616