In India, more than 100 people died in a religious procession: the number of victims may increase

In India, more than 100 people died in a religious procession: the number of victims may increase Vladislav Kravtsov

In India, more than 100 people died in a stampede during a religious procession/Collage 24 Channel

On July 2, a tragedy occurred near a religious congregation in the Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh state in India. More than 100 people were killed in a stampede during a religious procession.

Indian authorities said the exact circumstances that led to the stampede were unclear. However, the death toll at the scene could still increase.

What is known about the stampede tragedy in India

Indian police reported that as of 19:07, 116 people had been confirmed dead and 18 injured near a religious congregation in the Hathras district. Most of the dead were women.

According to Indian media reports, the stampede began shortly after women rushed out of the building following the conclusion of a religious congregation by preacher Bhole Baba.

Police said preliminary reports indicate that during the religious procession, some people felt asphyxiated indoors due to the hot and humid weather. And when the procession ended, those inside the fence rushed outside, which led to a stampede in which mostly women and children died.

Jyoti, a teenager who was caught in Indian hospital, said that everyone wanted to get out of the religious premises as quickly as possible.

There was no other way out, and people fell on top of each other , which led to a stampede,” the girl explained.

Jyoti recalled how she tried to leave the site, but motorcycles parked on the street blocked her path. Because of this, according to the girl, many people lost consciousness and others died.

How the Indian authorities responded to the incident

Later, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced free assistance of Rs 200,000 for each relative of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. A priority information report will be filed against the organizers and strict action will be taken against them, he added.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to the tragedy. He noted that the Indian government is involved in providing emergency assistance to all victims.

“My condolences to those who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. At the same time, I wish a speedy recovery to everyone victims,” he said.

Indian media also noted that the incident occurred during the “Bhole Baba satsang” event in the village of Pulrai, where a large number of people gathered.