😢 A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded at India's Maha Kumbh Mela Hindu festival on Wednesday, where a stampede resulted in the loss of dozens of lives. As millions gathered for the sacred \"holy dip\" in the confluence of three revered rivers, chaos ensued, leading to the tragic event.
Official reports state that 30 individuals lost their lives, with 90 others injured. However, sources suggest the death toll could be nearly 40 as the investigation continues.
Witnesses described a massive push towards the river waters, causing devotees to collapse onto each other. Additionally, the closure of routes leading to the water created a standstill, resulting in suffocation and further panic among the crowd.
In response to the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the formation of a three-member judicial commission to conduct a thorough inquiry. \"The judicial commission will look into the entire matter and submit its report to the state government within a time limit,\" he stated.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, attracts fervent devotees who believe that bathing in the sacred waters absolves sins and grants salvation. On Wednesday alone, over 76 million people took a dip, contributing to a total attendance of nearly 280 million since the festival began two weeks ago.
Despite its spiritual significance, the event has faced criticism over crowd management. Opposition leaders have pointed fingers at mismanagement, urging the government to implement better safety measures. Local media, including the Hindustan Times, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for enhanced planning and the use of modern technology to prevent future tragedies.
As the festival continues, with three more 'royal dips' scheduled, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the devotees. Let's hope that the lessons learned from this tragic incident lead to improved crowd management in the future. 🙏
Reference(s):
India orders probe into Hindu festival stampede that killed dozens
cgtn.com
