At least 30 people were killed and over 60 injured during the Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj, India, as chaos erupted when devotees rushed for a ritual bath. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning, during one of the festival's biggest bathing days, leading to a crush as pilgrims jostled near the sacred riverbanks. Reports of missing persons flooded in, with many families searching for loved ones amidst the panic.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion and distress, with people tripping, falling, and being trampled as they tried to escape. Despite the urgency, confusion reigned as officials struggled to provide accurate casualty numbers, raising questions about communication and emergency responses.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, while opposition leaders criticized the government for inadequate crowd management, questioning the focus on VIPs over the safety of the general public. The festival draws millions, and while many continue to attend, safety remains a critical concern.
The Kumbh Mela is a significant religious event for Hindus, and this year's celebration, active until February 26th, has already seen millions partake in the sacred rituals, despite the tragic events. As search efforts continue, the incident has cast a shadow over the festivities, prompting discussions on how to prevent such disasters in the future.
