At least 30 individuals have lost their lives in a stampede during the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world, held in northern India, according to officials.
The tragic event occurred early on Wednesday as devotees gathered along the riverbanks in Prayagraj, where a surge of pilgrims rushed to participate in a significant day of ritual bathing, resulting in chaos and trampling.
Authorities reported that approximately 60 others sustained injuries. The official casualty figures took most of the day to be released, leading opposition leaders to criticize the government for a perceived lack of transparency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. Many pilgrims are still attempting to locate their missing relatives and friends.
Police confirmed that 90 injured individuals were transported to medical facilities. “Regrettably, 30 of those devotees have succumbed to their injuries,” stated senior police officer Vaibhav Krishna during a news conference on Wednesday evening.
He noted that 25 of the deceased had been identified.
Earlier in the day, BBC reporters observed scenes of pandemonium, with clothing, shoes, blankets, and backpacks scattered across the ground as crowds attempted to flee the area of the incident.
“People were moving in all directions,” recounted eyewitness Ayesha Mishra to the BBC. “They were being pushed and falling down. Children were being trampled by the throngs.”
Images and videos from the scene depicted individuals lying on the ground, their injured bodies and faces covered in mud. Some were being transported on stretchers as ambulances navigated through the extensive tent city established for the event.
For several hours, there was uncertainty regarding the number of casualties and injuries.
The main hospital was secured, preventing reporters from gaining access. Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, where Prayagraj is situated, mentioned serious injuries but did not address the fatalities.
Prime Minister Modi did acknowledge the occurrence of deaths but refrained from specifying the number.
“I wish for the swift recovery of all those injured,” he stated in a post on X, describing the incident as “extremely sad.”
The reports regarding the accident did little to deter the vast throngs gathered at the site, with government statistics indicating that over 50 million individuals had participated in the bathing rituals by 14:00 local time (08:30 GMT).
The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years at Sangam, the sacred meeting point of three revered rivers: the Ganges (Ganga), Yamuna, and the legendary Saraswati. It is a widely held belief among Hindus that immersing oneself in these holy waters purifies them of sins and aids in achieving salvation.
While the primary attraction is the sacred bathing, the event also serves as a lively celebration of faith, drawing individuals from diverse backgrounds, including ascetics, politicians, and celebrities, who come together to partake in the festivities.
Participants from across the nation and around the globe have been arriving in Prayagraj via trains, buses, and taxis to engage in the festival, which commenced on 13 January and will continue until 26 February. Some attendees have traveled alone, while others are accompanied by family members, including children and the elderly.
Wednesday marked the most significant bathing day of the festival, with officials estimating attendance could reach as high as 100 million. This day is particularly notable for the Shahi snan, or royal bath, during which thousands of ash-covered ascetics immerse themselves in the river.
By Tuesday evening, the crowds had already begun to swell, creating an atmosphere of exuberance at the venue. Devotees expressed their joy through singing and dancing in vibrant processions, eagerly anticipating their opportunity to bathe the following morning.
However, the festive atmosphere quickly transformed into one of tragedy.
Reports of the crush began to emerge between 01:00 and 02:00 local time (19:30-20:30 GMT), as numerous ambulances were observed entering and exiting the venue.