Before the second holy bath festival, known as Mauni Amavasya, at Prayagraj's Sangam area, a stampede unfolded. With fears mounting over more than 10 fatalities, the Akhara Council has canceled today's Amrit Snan for all 13 Akharas. Reports reveal numerous injuries managed at the central hospital in the fair's Sector 2 area.
Frightening visuals emerged, showcasing individuals lamenting the loss of loved ones or searching the overwhelming mass of people for their missing family members. Police officers were seen transporting bodies on stretchers and tending to the wounded.
Source: aajtak
The fair administration appealed to the Akhara Council President, Ravindrapuri, to halt the Amrit Snan, which has now been suspended.
What Triggered the Stampede?
At 2 AM, a vast congregation flooded the banks of Sangam. Amid the clamorous crowd, part of a barricade collapsed, inciting pandemonium. As panic surged, belongings scattered, exacerbating the chaos. Eyewitnesses recollected going peacefully when suddenly the crowd swarmed, pushing ensued, and escape seemed impossible.
Source: aajtak
As soon as the stampede alert reached authorities, police, paramilitary, and the fire brigade swiftly descended onto the scene, where they had stationed an all-terrain vehicle crucial for rescue operations, assisting in the evacuation of the injured.
In front of the mortuary gate at the medical college in Prayagraj, grieving families sobbed uncontrollably.
Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Bhartendu Joshi stated the vehicle's timely presence accelerated relief work, notably rescuing a young girl who was swiftly brought to an ambulance.
Source: aajtak
The administration has initiated an inquiry into the event. Rescue and relief operations continue, with police boosting vigil across the area. Devotees are urged to remain calm and adhere to official instructions.
Source: aajtak
The Crowd Still Moves Toward the Ganges
The administration, amid calls for calm, is thwarted by a continuously advancing crowd towards the Ganges. Even sages and saints are imploring devotees to remain stationed, pleading for peace to prevail.
Source: aajtak
The dedication to bathing during Mauni Amavasya on Wednesday once more transformed Mahakumbh Nagar into the world's largest congregation. The population in Prayagraj has surpassed the 50 million mark. By Tuesday evening, 46.4 million devotees had bathed, setting a remarkable new record.