In brief
During a Durga Puja celebration in Kolkata, India, a sudden rainstorm triggered a mass stampede, killing 17 people and injuring 25 others. Chief Minister Suvendhu Adhikari confirmed a young girl among the dead, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the tragedy "tragic" and pledged support to affected families. Police attributed the chaos to a surprise announcement and the rush for shelter, noting that poor crowd management is a frequent risk during religious festivals in the country.
During a Durga Puja celebration in Kolkata, India, a sudden rainstorm triggered a mass stampede, killing 17 people and injuring 25 others.
The crush developed as the crowd rushed for shelter after a brief downpour. Police said an announcement at the site caused commotion, leading to pushing, pulling and a crowd surge.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendhu Adhikari confirmed that a seven‑year‑old girl was among the dead and that six victims have already been identified.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident "tragic" and said the state government would provide aid to the affected families.
The state police noted 25 people were being treated for injuries and six of the deceased were identified. The incident underscores the recurring risk of fatal crowd incidents during religious festivals in India, where poor management and inadequate safety measures often prevail.
Two years earlier, a similar religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh left 121 people dead.
