Severe overcrowding and a lack of exits were identified as contributors to a tragic stampede at a religious festival in northern India that resulted in the loss of at least 121 lives, authorities reported on Wednesday. The chaos erupted as a quarter-million attendees rushed towards the preacher at the event. Investigations are ongoing to find the event organizers, while the preacher’s lawyer has assured cooperation with authorities. Over two dozen injured victims are still undergoing treatment.
Deadly stampedes are unfortunately not uncommon at Indian religious gatherings due to inadequate infrastructure and safety measures in densely packed areas. The festival, held in a village in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh state, had approval for 80,000 attendees, but the exact number present in the massive tent set up in a muddy field remains unclear.
The exact trigger for the stampede remains unknown. Reports suggest that the preacher was approached by a crowd wanting to touch him as he descended from the stage, leading to a rush toward the exits, with many slipping on the muddy ground, resulting in fatal injuries, predominantly to women.
Investigations are focusing on the organizers, who are currently missing. The police have filed a case of culpable homicide against two organizers, with no charges against the preacher. State authorities have initiated an inquiry into the tragedy.
According to the preacher’s attorney, disturbances caused by “anti-social elements” escalated into chaos, but the preacher is willing to assist authorities in the investigation. Families have been torn apart by the incident, with stories of loss emerging, such as Binod Sokhna, who mourned the loss of his mother, daughter, and wife.
The event, organized by the Sri Jagat Guru Baba organization, drew followers from across the state. The lack of sufficient exits in the tent violated safety standards, as pointed out by experts. The traumatic event left residents in disbelief, with one individual criticizing the preacher for leaving the scene swiftly.
Unfortunately, stampedes at religious events have occurred in the past in India, notably in incidents in 2013 in Madhya Pradesh and 2011 in Kerala. The tragic events highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures and crowd management strategies at such gatherings.
** This article is based on recent events from Hathras, India, where a religious festival stampede resulted in the loss of numerous lives. **
