Maha Kumbh 2025: What caused the stampede On Mauni Amavasaya ? Eye witnesses narrate harrowing details
PTC News Desk: More than 10 people are feared dead and dozens injured after a stampede like situation broke out at Maha Kumbh on auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya. The exact number of injured and casualties have not been ascertained yet. A huge crowd reportedly reached ghats for the holy dip (Amrit Snan) on Mauni Amavasya in the early hours.
The Prime Minister on Wednesday spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the second time in an hour after a stampede-like situation in the ongoing Mahakumbh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath following the incident at the Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya celebrations at the Mahakumbh Mela. He also assured him of full support from the Centre.
What Led To Stampede At Mahakumbh
A massive turnout of around 80-100 crore devotees was anticipated at for the Mauni Amavasya’s Amrit Snan at the Maha Kumbh. If preliminary reports are to be believed, huge influx of crowd, around 5 crore devotees gathered at at the Triveni Sangam ghat around midnight while superceeding the control measures.
Confirming the incident, Special Executive Officer Akanksha Rana stated, "On the Sangam routes, a stampede-like situation arose after some barriers broke. Some people have been injured. They are under treatment."
A sudden spike in the number of devotees caused a chaotic situation near the barricades, some of which collapsed, triggering a wave of panic amongst the attendees.
#WATCH | #Mahakumbh | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: On the reports of a stampede at the Maha Kumbh, Special Executive Officer Akanksha Rana says, "On the Sangam routes, a stampede-like situation arose after some barriers broke. Some people have been injured. They are under treatment.… pic.twitter.com/SgLRVXMlgf — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2025
The eyewitnesses while narrating their ordeal have revealed harrowing details and said many devotees were sleeping when the barricades suddenly broke, triggering a surge of uncontrollable crowds. The overwhelming crowd caused several women to faint and as the chaos escalated into a stampede like situation.
Injured devotees were immediately rushed to the hospital facility set up in the Mela area. Several police officials also rushed to the spot as the situation of stampede broke out. Seriously injured were transferred to Bailey Hospital and Swaroop Rani Medical College for treatment.
- With inputs from agencies