Haridwar, India – Tragedy struck at the ongoing Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, as a stampede left at least 12 people feared dead and several others injured. The incident occurred during a massive congregation of pilgrims at the sacred event in northern India.
According to local authorities, the crush took place when thousands of devotees surged toward the riverbanks for a holy dip in the Ganges River, a key ritual at the festival. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the overwhelming crowd led to a sudden stampede, leaving many trapped underfoot.
Emergency responders and police rushed to the scene to provide medical aid and restore order. Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting overcrowding and lack of crowd control measures as contributing factors.
Kumbh Mela, a Hindu pilgrimage festival held every 12 years, attracts millions of worshippers seeking spiritual purification. The sheer volume of devotees often poses logistical challenges despite extensive preparations by the authorities.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives at the Kumbh Mela. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. Authorities are ensuring all possible assistance to those affected.”
This is not the first time the Kumbh Mela has witnessed such incidents. Previous editions of the festival have also seen deadly stampedes, prompting concerns over safety management at large religious gatherings.
Authorities have urged pilgrims to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols to prevent further mishaps. Meanwhile, security has been tightened, and rescue efforts continue as officials work to confirm the exact number of casualties.
More updates to follow as the situation develops.
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I understand you’re seeking a copyright-free image to accompany your news article on the recent stampede at India’s Kumbh Mela festival. While specific images of the incident may not be readily available due to its recent occurrence, you can consider using general images of the Kumbh Mela to provide context.
Wikimedia Commons offers a variety of such images that are free to use under the Creative Commons license. Here are a few examples:
- Kumbh Mela 2019, India: This image captures a large gathering of pilgrims during the 2019 Kumbh Mela in Allahabad.
- Kumbh Mela 2019, India: Another perspective from the 2019 festival, showcasing the scale of the event.
- Kumbh Mela 2019, India: A different angle highlighting the congregation of devotees.