In Prayagraj, India, the Maha Kumbh Mela festival turned tragic as a stampede occurred amidst a massive rush of pilgrims eager to bathe in the holy waters of the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. Authorities report injuries and fear of fatalities as worshippers trampled over each other during an auspicious bathing ritual on a crowded day. The Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years, attracting an estimated 400 million attendees.
The Uttar Pradesh government prepared extensively for the festival, constructing temporary infrastructure to support attendees. Despite improved safety measures since a 2013 incident that resulted in 42 deaths, crowds were difficult to control. Many pilgrims were directed towards the bathing spots, which led to the chaos as barriers broke down. Local police faced challenges in clearing the areas before more people flooded in, with safety protocols still a concern. This ongoing situation has prompted a response from officials, with the tragedy serving as a reminder of the need for better crowd management at large events.
The Uttar Pradesh government prepared extensively for the festival, constructing temporary infrastructure to support attendees. Despite improved safety measures since a 2013 incident that resulted in 42 deaths, crowds were difficult to control. Many pilgrims were directed towards the bathing spots, which led to the chaos as barriers broke down. Local police faced challenges in clearing the areas before more people flooded in, with safety protocols still a concern. This ongoing situation has prompted a response from officials, with the tragedy serving as a reminder of the need for better crowd management at large events.
