UP Stampede: CM Yogi Adityanath Says Some Devotees Seriously Injured, Orders Relief Measures

Prayagraj : A tragic stampede occurred at the Sangam in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj in the early hours of Wednesday as thousands of devotees gathered for a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya amid the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela. While officials have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties, sources indicate that at least 15 people are feared dead and around 70 others injured in the chaos.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have reached out to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to assess the situation and ensure prompt relief measures. The Chief Minister has directed local authorities to provide medical aid and manage the crowd effectively.

According to an eyewitness who shared details on social media, the stampede occurred around 2:30 AM, when a massive number of devotees gathered at the Sangam banks for the holy ritual. Many were carrying heavy luggage on their heads, and the lack of proper crowd movement directions added to the confusion.

A significant issue was the presence of large iron dustbins, which were not easily visible in the dimly lit area. As some pilgrims lost their balance, others stumbled over them, leading to a chaotic situation where many were trampled underfoot. Personal belongings and luggage were scattered across the area as panic set in.

Authorities have since taken control of the situation, deploying additional police forces and medical teams to assist the injured. Hospitals in the area have been put on high alert, and emergency responders are working round the clock to provide necessary medical attention.

The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered an investigation into the incident to determine lapses in crowd management and ensure preventive measures are in place for the remaining days of the Mahakumbh festival.

The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered an investigation into the lapses in crowd control and security measures that may have led to the tragedy. Officials have been asked to submit a detailed report on the incident, including potential negligence in managing the large turnout of devotees.