NEW DELHI: In a tragic event at the ongoing Mahakumbh 2025, at least 15 persons lost their lives in a deadly stampede at Prayagraj’s Sangam Ghat during the auspicious Mauni Amavasya. The Amrit Snan was attended by an estimated 10 crore devotees, which overwhelmed the arrangements.
Around 2:30 am on January 29, 2025, a stampede broke out as people rushed to take the holy dip. Panic and mayhem resulted from the collapse of the barriers erected to regulate the pilgrims’ flow due to extreme pressure.
ALSO READ: CM Yogi Adityanath calls for rewriting history, emphasizing Bharat’s perspective
As many fell and were trampled, chaos got worse by devotees carrying bulky bags on their heads. The absence of other exits at the Sangam Nose made the issue worse.
The stampede caused at least 15 verified deaths and more than 30 injuries. The injured were quickly taken to the main hospital on the Mela grounds so they could receive care.
Rescue efforts were started immediately to help the impacted individuals. Authorities, including special executive officers and the local police, handled the incident quickly.
Checkpoints were erected to control traffic flow to Prayagraj and prevent additional crowding. Officer Akanksha Rana said that after recovering control of the situation, the Amrit Snan had been resumed.
ALSO READ: England dominates with ball, secures 26-run victory over India in T20I
In addition to expressing his profound sadness and condolences to the families who lost loved ones, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the injured a swift recovery. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called for improved measures to stop such deaths, while opposition politicians blasted the Uttar Pradesh government for its poor crowd control.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reassured the people that every effort was being made to guarantee the security of devotees.
