Stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Kills at Least 17
A crush at a crowded Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata killed at least 17 people and injured dozens on Saturday night.
KEY POINTS
- At least 17 people died in a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata
- Heavy rain and dense crowds triggered the crush at the exit gate on Saturday evening
- Around 35 people were taken to hospital, with several in critical condition
- Thirteen of the dead were women and one was a child
- Fire brigade, disaster management teams and ambulances responded to the scene
At least 17 people died in a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening, October 17, during Maha Saptami celebrations. Heavy rain and dense crowds triggered a crush at the exit gate as visitors tried to leave or seek cover.
Kolkata Police said around 35 people were taken to hospital after the incident near Girish Park Police Station area. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said 17 people were brought dead to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, while 25 others were injured.
“Suddenly, there was a push from behind. People began to fall, one after another. Those in the front couldn't get up at all.”
Thirteen of the dead were women and one was a child, according to NDTV. Several injured people were in critical condition, and 11 were transferred to SSKM Hospital.
Eyewitnesses described panic as people pushed through narrow gates in a dark lane. One witness said an exit gate collapsed under crowd pressure, while another said many people fainted and were taken to hospital on motorcycles.
Fire brigade personnel, disaster management teams and ambulances rushed to the spot, and the pandal was closed to visitors. The incident has raised questions about crowd management and emergency access during one of Kolkata's biggest annual festivals.
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