GUWAHATI: Thirty people lost their lives at the stampede which took place in the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj early on Wednesday, January 29. Of the deceased, 25 have been identified, with one being from Assam.
ALSO READ: Family Of Maha Kumbh Mela Stampede Victim From Assam Left Stranded With Body
The incident occurred between 1 AM and 2 AM, as a massive crowd had gathered for the ‘Amrit Snan’ on Mouni Amavasya. Authorities have confirmed the identities of 25 of the deceased, while efforts are underway to identify the remaining five.
Additionally, 36 people are currently undergoing treatment for injuries sustained during the stampede. A helpline number, 1920, has also been set up for families seeking information about missing persons.
The chaos erupted when a sudden surge of devotees caused barricades to collapse about a kilometer from the Sangam, triggering panic. Many were suffocated or trampled in the ensuing confusion. Several families were separated, and emergency responders rushed the injured to nearby hospitals.
In light of the disaster, the planned Amrit Snan was canceled. Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, announced that Akharas would refrain from participating in the Snan the following day, urging devotees to attend on Vasant Panchami (February 2) instead.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding the tragedy and called for immediate relief measures. With nearly five crore pilgrims already present and numbers expected to reach 10 crore, authorities have intensified security measures for the time being.
Over 1,000 medical personnel, including 300 specialist doctors, are currently on standby following the incident.
