Relatives mourn - India: Death toll rises to over 120 after mass panic
After a mass panic at a religious gathering in India, the number of dead continues to rise. At least 121 people - over 100 of whom were women - have died according to official reports. At least seven children were also among the victims. Thirty-five severely injured individuals are still being treated in hospitals according to local government statements.
Estimates suggest that 150,000 people had followed the call of a self-proclaimed guru. The faithful had gathered for prayers and a sermon on Tuesday in the northern Indian district of Hathras in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The police reported that there were significantly more attendees than anticipated.
Numerous victims suffocated
Eyewitnesses of the panic reported that people had suddenly rushed from an overflowing tent when the guru had left. Many had slipped and fallen over each other into a muddy ditch. Numerous victims had suffocated or been trampled, a local administration official shared.
Investigations are ongoing, a local government spokesperson stated. The police are also searching for Guru Bhole Baba. Photos from the day after the panic showed investigators and tracking dogs on the muddy field of the event. Their work was complicated by heavy rain. Images also showed mourning followers.
Accidents at religious events are common in India, as large crowds often gather on narrow spaces, on narrow roads or bridges. In a religious festival mass panic in Madhya Pradesh in 2013, over 100 people lost their lives.
The tragic incident in Hathras has sparked concerns about the safety of religious gatherings in such crowded spaces. Women and children are often THE MOST VULNERABLE during mass panics and emergencies.
The New Delhi government has issued a statement expressing their condolences and emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures at such events. The Police are working closely WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future.
The tragic accident has led to a wave of discussions about religion and public safety in India. Many are calling for a review of safety protocols at religious events, especially given the number of previous accidents.
In the face of THIS UNPRECEDENTED TRAGEDY, several NGOs and women's rights groups have launched campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of safety at religious gatherings. They are rallying support for stricter regulations and better emergency response plans.
