Another stampede at Maha Kumbh? Just hours after first tragedy, another incident was reported from Jhusi
PTC Web Desk: A second stampede occurred at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, just hours after the first deadly crowd crush near Sangam Nose that claimed 30 lives in the early hours of Wednesday, says a report in India Today. The second incident, reported from Jhusi, about 2 km from the first site, has sparked concerns over crowd management and safety measures at the world's largest religious gathering.
As per India Today, multiple deaths occurred at Jhusi, although officials have yet to confirm the number of casualties and injured. Piles of discarded clothing, footwear, and plastic bottles were witnessed being cleared by tractors.
According to locals, bodies lay unattended for hours, and the police arrived late at the scene. "There were four bodies inside the Haldiram kiosk that had been taken away. At least 24 persons lost their lives here alone. Children were crushed in the chaos, and no help arrived on time," says a report in India Today.
The tragedy unfolded as a record 55 million devotees gathered at the Maha Kumbh for the Mauni Amavasya Shahi Snan. The first stampede at Sangam Nose occurred around 1.30 am, followed by the second at Jhusi at 5.55 am. Due to the location, ambulances could not reach Jhusi, further complicating rescue efforts.
While the Sangam Nose tragedy made global headlines, the Jhusi stampede had remained largely unreported—until now. The disturbing accounts from eyewitnesses raise serious concerns over potential lapses in crowd control and emergency response measures at the event.
- With inputs from agencies