Stampede at a popular Hindu festival in eastern India kills 19
At least 19 people died and dozens were injured in a stampede during the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata, West Bengal. The tragedy occurred Saturday night when crowds near a pavilion rushed for cover during a sudden downpour. Most victims were women and children. Chief Minister Adhikari has announced an ex gratia payment of 25 lakh rupees for the deceased. Seven suspects are currently in 10-day police custody as authorities investigate the cause of the crush.
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- ✓ At least 19 people died in a stampede during a Hindu festival in Kolkata.
- ✓ The incident happened Saturday night during Durga Puja.
- ✓ A sudden downpour caused the crowd near a pavilion to run for cover.
- ✓ Chief Minister Adhikari announced 25 lakh rupees ex gratia.
What changed
Seven accused individuals have been placed in 10-day police custody following the tragedy.
Live updates
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Kolkata Durga Puja stampede kills 19 people
At least 19 people died and dozens were injured in a stampede during the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata, West Bengal. The tragedy occurred Saturday night when crowds near a pavilion rushed for cover during a sudden downpour. Most victims were women and children. Chief Minister Adhikari has announced an ex gratia payment of 25 lakh rupees for the deceased. Seven suspects are currently in 10-day police custody as authorities investigate the cause of the crush.
Why it matters
Durga Puja is an annual Hindu festival celebrating the goddess Durga. This event took place in the capital of West Bengal, eastern India. Large crowds and weather conditions are frequent challenges during the city's festival celebrations.
What is confirmed
- At least 19 people died in a stampede during a Hindu festival in Kolkata.
- The incident happened Saturday night during Durga Puja.
- A sudden downpour caused the crowd near a pavilion to run for cover.
- Chief Minister Adhikari announced 25 lakh rupees ex gratia.
- The majority of the victims were women and children.
Still unconfirmed
- There were hardly any cops or volunteers controlling the crowd.
- A misleading announcement may have contributed to the tragedy.
What to watch next
- Police interrogation results for the seven suspects in custody.
- Official findings on the specific cause of the crush.
- Updates on the number of injured survivors.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (23)
- abcnews.com — ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
- The New York Times — 17 Dead, Dozens Injured After Stampede at Indian Religious Event
- The Hindu — Kolkata pandal stampede LIVE | At least 19 dead, 25 others injured; CM Adhikari announces ₹25 lakh ex gratia
- BBC — At least 17 dead in crush at Hindu festival event in India
- AP News — Stampede at a popular Hindu festival in eastern India kills 19
- Bloomberg.com — Kolkata Stampede Leaves At Least 19 Dead, Dozens Injured
- Reuters — Festival crush in Indian city of Kolkata kills at least 17, local media say
- dw.com — India news: Kolkata stampede dampens Durga Puja festivities
- NDTV — 10-Day Police Custody For 7 Accused In Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede
- The Times of India — Crowd, rain or misleading announcement: What led to Kolkata stampede tragedy?
- Yahoo — Death toll from stampede at Indian festival rises to 19
- The Hindu — Majority of victims in Kolkata Durga Puja stampede are women, children
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