A stampede at a religious congregation in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh has claimed the lives of at least 60 people, including women and children. The incident occurred at a 'satsang' of Lord Shiva organised by the Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavna Samagam Committee. The stampede was likely caused by overcrowding and humid conditions, and strict action is being planned against the organisers of the event. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced compensation for the deceased and injured, while officials investigate the tragic incident.
Hathras Stampede: Death Toll Rises to 60 in Overcrowded Religious Congregation Tragedy
On Saturday, September 30, 2022, a stampede at a religious congregation in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the lives of at least 60 people, including women and children. The incident occurred at a 'satsang' of Lord Shiva organized by the Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavna Samagam Committee.
Background
Hathras, located in the western part of Uttar Pradesh, is known for its religious significance and holds several religious congregations throughout the year. The 'satsang' in question was organized to celebrate the 'Bhadola' festival, which marks the end of the monsoon season. Thousands of devotees had gathered at the venue, which was an open ground near a temple.
Incident Details
According to officials, the stampede occurred around 2 pm when a large crowd surged forward to collect free food and prasad being distributed by the organizers. The narrow pathways and overcrowding created a chaotic situation, resulting in people falling and getting trampled.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and transported the injured to nearby hospitals. However, many of the victims had already succumbed to their injuries.
Causes of the Stampede
Initial investigations suggest that overcrowding and humid conditions contributed to the stampede. The venue was reportedly not equipped to handle the massive crowd, and there were inadequate safety measures in place.
Official Response
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the incident and announced compensation of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. He also ordered a high-level inquiry into the tragedy.
The police have registered a case against the organizers of the event for negligence and have launched an investigation.
FAQs
Q1: What is a stampede?
A: A stampede is a mass movement of people in a panic, typically triggered by fear or perceived danger.
Q2: Why do stampedes occur at religious congregations?
A: Crowds at religious gatherings can be large and dense, especially in India where religious festivals are often celebrated with great enthusiasm. Factors like overcrowding, narrow passageways, and inadequate safety measures can increase the risk of stampedes.
Q3: What are the warning signs of a stampede?
A: Feeling crowded, difficulty breathing, people pushing or shoving, and a sense of panic are all warning signs of a potential stampede.
Q4: What should you do if you find yourself in a stampede?
A: If caught in a stampede, try to stay calm and avoid being pushed down. Protect your head and chest by tucking them in and covering your head with your hands. If you fall, try to get up quickly and move out of the path of the crowd.
Q5: How can stampedes be prevented?
A: Proper crowd management, adequate safety measures, and restricting crowd size to the capacity of the venue are essential to prevent stampedes. Public awareness and education about stampede prevention are also crucial.
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