Tragedy strikes as stampede claims 116 lives at religious congregation in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh.
New Delhi:
In a devastating turn of events, a stampede during a religious congregation has resulted in the loss of 116 lives, marking one of the deadliest tragedies of recent times. The incident occurred on Tuesday as devotees were dispersing from a ‘satsang’ event held in Phulrai village, Hathras district, led by the revered preacher Bhole Baba.
Witnesses reported scenes of chaos and horror as devotees suffocated and were trampled underfoot while attempting to leave the venue. The stampede unfolded as attendees sought to catch a final glimpse of Bhole Baba and collect sacred soil from around his feet. The aftermath saw bodies piled up outside the Sikandara Rao Trauma Centre, where distraught family members awaited news of their loved ones.
Eyewitness accounts described the harrowing moments when overcrowding and slippery conditions exacerbated the chaos, leading to the tragic loss of life. Video footage captured scenes of grief-stricken individuals amidst rows of bodies in trucks and vehicles, highlighting the scale of the calamity.
District authorities confirmed that the ‘satsang’ had been authorized by local officials, with security provided outside the venue. However, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of arrangements given the large number of attendees.
In response to the catastrophe, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences in Parliament, acknowledging the severity of the situation. He assured that central authorities are closely coordinating with the Uttar Pradesh government to extend necessary assistance.
The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated an investigation into the incident, with an FIR planned against the event organizers. Both the Prime Minister’s Office and the state government have announced financial aid for the victims’ families, offering Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for each deceased person and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
As the nation mourns this tragic loss, questions remain about the adequacy of crowd management protocols and safety measures at public gatherings, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced vigilance and preparedness to prevent such disasters in the future.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life during religious gatherings and the critical importance of ensuring safety and security for all participants.