A stampede at a Hindu religious gathering in Kolkata, India, left at least 17 people dead and over 30 injured on Saturday, according to local officials. The incident occurred during the Durga Puja festival, a major Hindu celebration, when sudden rainfall caused a rush of people to seek shelter.
West Bengal’s Chief Minister Suvendhu Adhikari confirmed the deaths, including a seven-year-old girl, and reported that 25 others were injured outside a pavilion during the stampede. Officials said the crowd surged as rain began, leading to a chaotic situation.
The event took place in north Kolkata, within the West Bengal state. Multiple reports from different media outlets noted the number of casualties varied slightly, with some citing 19 dead and 25 injured. The exact cause of the stampede was attributed to the unexpected weather conditions.
This is not the first time such incidents have occurred during large gatherings in India. Similar stampedes have happened at religious festivals and public events, often due to overcrowding or sudden changes in weather. The Durga Puja festival, which typically attracts millions of participants, has seen past incidents that have raised concerns about crowd management and safety protocols.
Authorities are investigating the full extent of the incident and have begun efforts to identify all victims. The event has also caused significant disruption to local transportation and public services.
