Devastating Stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela: 30 Dead, 60 Injured
A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj results in 30 deaths, leading to an immediate government response and calls for improved event safety measures.
kowshik Reddy
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A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, claimed 30 lives in the early hours of January 29, 2025, during the sacred Mauni Amavasya. The incident occurred around 1:30 AM on Akhara Marg when overcrowding led to the collapse of barricades, causing chaos among the devotees assembled for the holy dip at the Sangam.
The stampede resulted in 30 confirmed deaths, with 25 of the victims identified by authorities. Approximately 60 people were injured, with treatment ongoing. The local administration, under the guidance of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has promised Rs 25 lakh to each deceased's family as compensation and initiated a judicial inquiry to delve into the causes of the tragedy.
The Chief Minister has ordered a three-member commission to investigate the incident, aiming to provide a detailed report within a month. The tragedy has led to public outcry and political debate, with opposition figures like Rahul Gandhi criticizing the management of the event, highlighting issues of overcrowding and inadequate safety measures.
Eyewitnesses have shared harrowing accounts of the stampede, describing the sudden surge of the crowd and the frantic efforts to escape or help others. As the Maha Kumbh Mela, which happens once every 12 years, continues, there's a heightened focus on safety and crowd control. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the challenges involved in hosting one of the world's largest religious gatherings, pushing for reforms in event management and emergency response protocols.
