A crowd crush during the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata, India, has resulted in at least 17 deaths and multiple injuries following a sudden rainstorm.
Key facts
- •At least 17 people died in the stampede in Kolkata.
- •The crush was triggered by a sudden rainstorm that prompted crowds to seek shelter.
- •West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendhu Adhikari confirmed 25 people are being treated for injuries.
- •A seven-year-old girl is among the victims.
- •Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated the regional government is assisting affected families.
At least 17 people were killed and several others injured during a stampede at a Durga Puja festival event in Kolkata, India. The incident occurred as crowds attempted to seek shelter during a sudden rainstorm, leading to a surge of people and a subsequent crush.
By the numbers
Details of the incident
According to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendhu Adhikari, a seven-year-old girl is among the deceased, and 25 people are currently receiving medical treatment for injuries. Six of the victims have been identified so far. A senior police official reported that an announcement made as the rain began caused a commotion, leading the crowd to push and rush forward, resulting in people falling to the ground.
Official response
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as tragic and confirmed that the regional government is providing assistance to the affected families. The incident occurred at a pandal, a temporary structure used to house idols of the goddess Durga during the annual festival.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Daily Sabah, BBC Asia.
