One of the deadliest accidents in recent years occurred in northern India, where over 120 people lost their lives in a stampede during a religious gathering.
An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the stampede, which occurred as the event led by a Hindu guru known as Bhole Baba concluded on Tuesday.
What caused the stampede?
The exact trigger for the panic is still unknown, but authorities suspect overcrowding, lack of exits, adverse weather, and other factors contributed to the high number of casualties.
The event took place in a large tent in a village in Hathras district in Uttar Pradesh, amidst extreme heat and humidity.
Poor planning was evident as the event, which was meant for 80,000 people, saw 250,000 attendees turning up, held in a tent in a muddy field with unclear occupancy numbers.
As the preacher left the stage, chaos ensued as devotees tried to touch him, resulting in a surge towards the exit where many fell and were crushed amidst the chaos.
Who is Bhole Baba and why did so many people attend the event?
Bhole Baba, also known as Suraj Pal, is a Dalit preacher who attracts a large following from lower castes, women, and the poor in Uttar Pradesh and nearby states.
Despite being a former policeman, Bhole turned to preaching in the late 1990s and now runs two ashrams in the state, hosting regular religious gatherings where he preaches about leading a simple life.
Following the tragic stampede, authorities are searching for Bhole and other event organizers.
How common are stampedes in India?
Deadly stampedes are relatively frequent in India, especially during religious festivals with large crowds and inadequate safety measures.
Many religious events lack proper preparations and crowd control measures, leading to tragic incidents like the stampede in Hathras district.
Experts emphasize the need for better safety norms and multiple exit routes in such gatherings to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Notably, a major stampede occurred in 2013 in Madhya Pradesh state, where over 115 people lost their lives during a Hindu festival due to overcrowding and panic.