At least 17 people died, and several were left injured in a stampede at a popular Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata on Saturday.
The incident took place at the Chore Bagan Sarbojanin Puja pandal. At least 35 people have been rushed to the MCH hospital.
“Today, at around 19:40 hrs, a stampede occurred at the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Puja Pandal in the Girish Park Police Station area due to heavy crowds of pandal visitors during rain. All injured persons were rescued and taken to MCH,” the Kolkata Police said in a statement.
“Reinforcements from the Control Room, Fire Brigade, Kolkata Police, DMG team and ambulances with medical teams were deployed. The Puja Pandal is now closed to visitors. As per the information received so far, around 35 people have been taken to MCH,” they added.
The victims include 13 women and a child.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal reached the hospital to take stock of the situation.
Former Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed shock at the incident and wished the injured speedy recovery.
“Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal. I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time,” she wrote on X.
A witness told news agency ANI that many people lost consciousness during the stampede crush. Many were rushed to the hospital on motorcycles.
“The entrance was very narrow, and the exit gate was also narrow. There was no lighting in the area….My daughter and granddaughter are hospitalised,” said another witness.
