A religious event in northern India turned deadly today after a stampede erupted, leaving at least 60 people dead and scores injured. The incident occurred in a village within the Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh state.
Details surrounding the cause of the stampede remain unclear, but local media reports suggest it may have been triggered by rumors of a bridge collapsing. Authorities are investigating the incident.
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“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” said a spokesperson for the Uttar Pradesh government. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the deceased, and we are working tirelessly to ensure the injured receive proper medical care.”
Over 150 people were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials fear the death toll could rise in the coming days.
A survivor, Jyoti, who goes only by her first name, told local media that the stampede happened quickly as soon as the event ended. “Everyone was in a rush to leave; there was no way out and people were falling on each other,” she said.
Deadly stampedes are a recurring issue at religious festivals in India, where large crowds gather in confined spaces with limited safety measures.
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