Tragedy at Maha Kumbh: Stampede in Prayagraj Claims 38 Lives, PM Modi Assures Support
In a tragic incident during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Wednesday morning, a stampede resulted in the deaths of at least 30 individuals, with many more feared dead. The calamity occurred around 4:00 AM IST as millions of devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers to perform the Mauni Amavasya Shahi Snan, considered one of the most auspicious bathing rituals of the festival.
Eyewitnesses reported that the massive influx of pilgrims led to overcrowding at the main bathing ghats. Security personnel struggled to manage the overwhelming crowds, resulting in chaotic scenes and multiple stampedes. Women and children were among the most affected, with many being trampled in the rush.
Emergency services, including the Rapid Action Force, were deployed promptly to control the situation and carry out rescue operations. Over 50 ambulances reached the site to transport the injured to nearby medical facilities. Families of the victims gathered outside makeshift hospitals, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and has assured Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of all necessary assistance from the central government. Authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident to determine the causes and to implement measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every twelve years in Prayagraj, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting millions of pilgrims over a span of several weeks. Despite extensive preparations and security measures, the sheer scale of the event poses significant challenges in crowd management. This incident is a stark reminder of the need for stringent safety protocols to ensure the well-being of the devotees.
