A stampede at a religious congregation in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, has claimed the lives of over 100 people, mostly women. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed condolences over the tragedy, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to visit the site on Wednesday. The incident is currently under investigation, with a high-level committee formed to look into the matter.
Stampede Tragedy in Hathras: Over 100 Lives Lost at Religious Congregation
Background:
Hathras, a town in Uttar Pradesh, has been the scene of a devastating stampede at a religious congregation. The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, during the Navratri festival, which attracts millions of devotees to temples across the country.
Details of the Incident:
A stampede broke out at the Ratangarh temple, where thousands of devotees had gathered to witness the "Darshan" (glimpse of the deity). The cause of the stampede is still under investigation, but it is believed to have been triggered by overcrowding and a narrow pathway leading to the temple.
Over 100 people, mostly women and children, were killed in the stampede. Several others were injured and hospitalized.
Response from Authorities:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. What is the cause of the stampede? The exact cause of the stampede is still under investigation, but it is believed to have been triggered by overcrowding and a narrow pathway leading to the temple.
2. How many people were killed in the stampede? Over 100 people, mostly women and children, were killed in the stampede.
3. What is being done to prevent similar incidents in the future? The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a review of safety measures at all religious sites in the state. The government has also announced plans to widen the pathway leading to the Ratangarh temple.
4. Who is investigating the incident? A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the incident and determine the cause of the stampede. The committee is headed by the state's Additional Chief Secretary (Home).
5. Has anything like this happened before? Stampedes are a recurring tragedy at religious gatherings in India. In 2019, 30 people were killed in a stampede during a religious festival in Madhya Pradesh. In 2013, 107 people died in a stampede at the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad.
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