33 people, including children and women were killed and 29 others injured in a stampede during a Hindu festival in India.
New Delhi, Oct 4: At least 33 people were killed in a stampede during a Hindu festival in Indian State of Bihar.
“33 people including women and children died in the stampede that took place last evening during a Hindu festival (Dussehra) in Patna, capital of Indian state of Bihar,” a senior police official said.
He said 25 people sustained injuries in the stampede and have been hospitalized.
The official said 29 of the dead have been identified so far and identity of the remaining was being ascertained.
The chaotic scenes were witnessed at the hospitals where dead and injured were shifted as desperate locals, looking for their missing relatives, clashed with security forces.
The stampede, according to police official, was caused when the Hindus were burning the effigy Ravana (devon king) during the festival at Gandhi Maidan, last evening.
Thousands had gathered to watch event
Thousands of Hindus had gathered in the area to watch the event. The half-km stretch of the road from Gandhi Maidan was littered with shoes, slippers and other objects abandoned by the fleeing crowd.
The stampede occurred in a narrow road outside the sprawling ground as people were returning after watching Dussehra celebrations.
Media reports quoted eyewitnesses as saying that the stampede was triggered by a rumour that a live electric wire had fallen on the ground, which quickly spread through the crowd, prompting a rush for the gates.
The government has launched a probe into the cause of the stampede.
“The government has asked top officials to investigate the incident, especially the cause of the stampede,” said an official in Bihar Chief Minister’s office.
He said the officials have been directed to complete the investigation and submit the report within 24 hours. “The truth will come out after a thorough inquiry into the incident”.
Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh has sought a report from the Bihar government on the incident.
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Asia News/ NationalTurk India News
