Panic and Chaos: Stampede at Kumbh Mela at least 12 feared dead

At least 12 people are feared dead following a deadly stampede during the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in India. 

The tragic incident occurred in the northern city of Prayagraj, and although official confirmation is still pending, eyewitnesses and hospital sources shared this grim figure with BBC.

The stampede is believed to have happened when crowds of devotees, sleeping along the riverbank, were trampled by thousands rushing to take a holy dip in the sacred waters. 

This has led to chaos and panic, with emergency responders spotted carrying what appeared to be bodies on stretchers.

According to BBC reporters at the scene, there was utter confusion near the confluence of the rivers. 

Ambulances have been continuously seen moving in and out of the area, and the exact number of casualties remains unclear.

The incident began, according to witnesses, sometime between 1:15 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. when a group of pilgrims attempted to force their way through police barricades to reach the Sangam. 

This spot is considered the holiest site where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. 

For many believers, bathing here cleanses all sins and promises salvation.

Earlier in the morning, around 9:00 a.m. Bangladesh time, reports emerged of ten ambulances speeding away from the area within five minutes. 

A similar scene unfolded around 5:00 a.m., when at least 20 ambulances were seen leaving the holy site within 15 minutes.

Despite the apparent mayhem, more and more devotees continued arriving at the festival. 

Many seemed visibly shaken by what had occurred, while others struggled with the chaotic environment at checkpoints.

Some devotees told the BBC they had walked for hours, yet were unable to reach the holy site due to confusion about the directions. 

Sunil Goswami and Ramji Kor, two pilgrims, shared their frustration, saying they had been walking for almost an entire day but still hadn’t reached the Sangam.

Along the way, tensions flared, with several arguments between police officers and the frustrated crowds. 

At one checkpoint, officers were seen pleading with their colleagues to let the pilgrims through the barricades.

The stampede primarily occurred in the “Sangam Nose” area on Wednesday. 

This location marks the exact point where the three sacred rivers converge. 

Akanksha Rana, an official from the festival, told reporters, 

“There was a rush in the Sangam Nose area, and some barricades were broken. A few people were injured, though not seriously, and they are receiving the necessary medical care.”

For Hindus, the Sangam Nose is the central location of the Kumbh Mela, reserved for Hindu ascetics and revered as the most sacred site for taking the ritual bath. 

In anticipation of the large crowds, authorities had extended the riverbank to accommodate more people – up to 200,000 pilgrims at once – compared to the previous capacity of 50,000 per hour.

By 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, BBC reporter Samira Hussain reported that a heavy police presence was now in place at the Sangam Nose, where crowds were seen climbing over and breaking through barricades. 

The riverbank was left in disarray, with shoes, blankets, and personal belongings scattered around.

A heartbreaking scene unfolded as a woman, tears streaming down her face, walked ahead of a stretcher, clearly overcome with grief. 

Another man was seen walking beside a stretcher, tenderly covering a body with a shawl.

Authorities are now grappling with the critical question of why this tragedy occurred, despite knowing that massive crowds would be gathering at this site.

As of 8:30 a.m., no official statement had been released regarding the final number of injuries or deaths.

Authorities Urge Pilgrims to Avoid Sangam Nose

Authorities are urging pilgrims to avoid heading toward the Sangam Nose for their holy bath, encouraging them to use other designated bathing areas along the Ganges and Yamuna rivers instead. 

Despite this request, thousands are still attempting to reach the Sangam, putting additional pressure on the already strained police force.

BBC reporter Vikas Pandey reported around 7:30 a.m. that many Hindu ascetics, covered in ash, had already taken their ritual baths and participated in colorful processions near the confluence, while thousands of devotees were still arriving in hopes of receiving blessings.

Prayagraj, previously known as Allahabad, has witnessed tragedy during past Kumbh Mela festivals. 

The most recent deadly incident occurred in 2013 when 30 pilgrims lost their lives in a stampede at the Prayagraj railway station during the festival.

Source: BBC Bangla