Stampede at Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, Claims Over 40 Lives

Stampede at Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, Claims Over 40 Lives

Prayagraj, India, January 29, 2025 – A stampede during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj has claimed the lives of over 40 pilgrims, according to police reports. The bodies have been arriving at the local Motilal Nehru Medical College for more than 12 hours.

Police sources have revealed that many of the deceased suffered cardiac arrests, with several pilgrims already in poor physical condition. The tragic incident occurred when the massive crowd gathered to take a holy dip in the sacred river caused excessive pressure on the roads, leading to people falling over each other. The chaotic situation resulted in suffocation and heart-related complications.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured support from local authorities. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the incident took place when some pilgrims tried to breach barricades set up for crowd control.

The local administration is providing assistance to the injured and the families of the deceased to the best of its capacity.