Kathmandu: At least 30 people have died and 60 others were injured in a crowd crush at the Kumbh Mela festival, authorities have confirmed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims and their families.
One survivor told the BBC that he was pushed into the Ganges River as he tried to take part in the ritual bathing. BBC reporter Samira Hussain described the scene as “absolute chaos,” with clothes, shoes, and blankets scattered across the riverbank as people tried to escape.
Officials had estimated that up to 100 million people would attend the major Hindu festival’s bathing day. Despite the tragedy, the BBC’s Vikas Pandey reports that tens of thousands are still attempting to take the holy dip, though the atmosphere remains subdued.
Authorities are working to manage the crowds and provide medical assistance to the injured.
Source: BBC