Stampede kills 19 at religious gathering in India

Author: app/afp

LUCKNOW: A deadly stampede at a religious gathering in India killed at least 19 people on Saturday when thousands of people tried to cross a bridge simultaneously, police said.

“A total of 19 people have died in the incident – 14 of whom are women,” Police Inspector General Hari Ram Sharma said. At least four others were seriously injured and are undergoing treatment.

According to Police Chief Javeed Ahmed, overcrowding the old iron bridge was the reason for the disaster. “They had sought permission for 5,000 people but many more came,” India’s NDTV news network citied Ahmed as saying.

“They were crossing a bridge when some rumour-mongering happened which led to the disaster.”

TV footage showed piles of colourful clothing and slippers lying in a heap with policemen trying to clear the debris. “There was a lot of chaos, all of us were pushed and shoved. Many people have died including my mother,” a witness said.

State Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav’s Spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary said that the CM has ordered a high-level enquiry into the tragedy while announcing monetary compensation for the victims.

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