Home / Disasters and Accidents / Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: 19 Dead
Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: 19 Dead
17 Oct
Summary
- At least 19 people died and 25 were injured in a stampede.
- A sudden downpour triggered the crowd surge at Chorbagan Durga Puja.
- Officials cited poor crowd management and pandal design as causes.
A stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people and left 25 injured on Saturday evening. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM when a sudden rain shower prompted a surge of people seeking shelter, overwhelming those already inside.
Local residents, acting as first responders, pointed to inadequate crowd management and a lack of sufficient police or volunteers. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the injured and families of the deceased, attributing the tragedy to the organizers' "callousness." He announced an investigation and compensation of Rs 25 lakh for kin of the dead and Rs 5 lakh for the injured.
Eyewitness accounts describe thousands in line when the rain began, causing a crush at the exit due to blocked movement. Deaths were primarily due to suffocation, with many also sustaining injuries from trampling. The pandal's location in the narrow Radha Madhab Saha Lane and its tiered design near the exit were identified as contributing factors.
Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended their condolences and announced financial aid. The PM offered Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. The Home Minister postponed his scheduled programs to visit the injured.
