A tragic stampede at a Hindu religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh, India, has resulted in the feared deaths of at least 87 people
The incident occurred in a village in Hathras district, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) southeast of New Delhi. Authorities reported that the stampede happened as a large crowd gathered on an open ground following a call from a local religious leader.
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District police spokesperson Manish Chikara initially reported around 60 fatalities, warning that the number could rise. Disturbing videos on social media showed bodies outside a nearby hospital, though Reuters has not independently verified them.
“The incident occurred due to overcrowding as people tried to exit the venue,” stated Hathras district administrator Ashish Kumar at a press briefing.
Eyewitnesses shared harrowing accounts, with one telling India Today about the chaos caused by a narrow exit: “As we tried to move towards an adjacent field, a sudden commotion erupted, leaving us bewildered.”
Uttar Pradesh, home to over 200 million people, is India’s most populous state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
“Instructions have been issued to concerned officials to mobilize relief and rescue operations swiftly and ensure proper medical care for the injured,” he said in a statement.
The stampede is a stark reminder of the safety challenges during large-scale public gatherings in India, prompting urgent calls for improved crowd management protocols nationwide.
