A religious event in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, turned into a scene of utter chaos today as a stampede erupted, leaving at least 27 people dead and causing multiple injuries. The incident occurred during a satsang, a Hindu religious discourse, which had drawn a large crowd.
Details surrounding the cause of the stampede remain unclear at this time. Local authorities are investigating the possibility of overcrowding or rumors that sparked panic within the congregation.
“The situation is under control now, and we are working to identify the deceased and inform their families, ” said a spokesperson for the Hathras district administration. “Our priority is ensuring proper medical care for the injured. “
Those injured in the stampede have been rushed to nearby hospitals, where some are reportedly in critical condition. Medical personnel are working tirelessly to treat the influx of patients.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and announced an ex-gratia compensation for those affected by the tragedy. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the stampede in Hathras, ” he wrote on Twitter. “My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance in this hour of grief. “
This incident highlights the recurring issue of safety measures at large religious gatherings in India. In the past, similar events have been marred by stampedes and overcrowding, raising concerns about proper crowd management and emergency response protocols.
Following the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident. The inquiry will focus on identifying the cause of the stampede and recommending steps to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The Hathras stampede serves as a stark reminder of the importance of implementing stricter crowd control measures and ensuring adequate emergency preparedness at religious events across the country.