A religious event held in the Rati Bhanpur village of Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh turned tragic as a stampede broke out, claiming the lives of at least 107 people, predominantly women. The crowded venue and hot weather conditions are believed to be contributing factors to the incident. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an investigation and rescue efforts are underway.
Hathras Stampede: A Tragedy Unfolding
On Saturday, April 2, 2022, a religious event in the Rati Bhanpur village of Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, turned into a tragic stampede. As of now, the incident has claimed the lives of at least 107 people, predominantly women.
Background:
The religious gathering, known as the "Kavad Mela," is a popular annual event where devotees carry water from the Ganga River to offer it to Lord Shiva. The fair typically attracts millions of pilgrims.
This year, due to pandemic restrictions, the scale of the event was reduced. However, a large crowd still gathered at the temple premises.
Details of the Incident:
The stampede occurred when a rumor spread that a high-voltage electric wire had snapped. Panic ensued as the crowd surged forward to escape. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with people falling and being trampled.
The congested venue and sweltering heat conditions are believed to have contributed to the incident. Lack of crowd control measures and inadequate infrastructure may also have played a role.
Response:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences and ordered an investigation into the incident. Rescue efforts are underway, and the injured are being treated at hospitals.
Aftermath:
The tragedy has cast a shadow over the state and raised questions about the safety and management of religious events. The opposition has criticized the government for failing to ensure adequate crowd management and prevent the disaster.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What is the Kavad Mela? A: The Kavad Mela is an annual religious event where devotees carry water from the Ganga River to offer it to Lord Shiva.
2. What caused the stampede? A: The stampede was reportedly triggered by a rumor about a snapped electric wire. The crowded venue and hot weather conditions also contributed to the chaos.
3. How many people have died? A: As of now, at least 107 people have lost their lives in the stampede.
4. What measures are being taken to ensure safety at future religious events? A: The government has ordered an investigation into the incident and promised to take appropriate steps to improve crowd management and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
5. Have there been similar incidents in the past? A: Yes, stampedes at religious events are unfortunately not uncommon in India. In 2013, a stampede at the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad claimed over 36 lives.
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