AI summary
Summary of article:
A stampede broke out at a Durga Puja religious gathering in Kolkata, India after heavy rain. At least 19 people were killed and 25 were injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences towards the victims.
India At least 19 people were killed and 25 others were injured in a stampede at a Hindu religious gathering following sudden heavy rains in eastern India today, officials and media said.
West Bengal Governor Suvendu Adhikari told reporters that a stampede broke out outside an exhibition hall during the Hindu festival “Durga Puja” in Kolkata, Agence France-Presse reported. A 7-year-old girl was also among the dead and 25 others were injured.
“So far, six bodies have been identified,” Adesikali said.
A senior police officer at the scene told AFP that after heavy rain began in the evening, a radio announcement “striked” the scene. “The crowd waiting outside the exhibition hall began pushing, pulling and moving, causing some people to fall to the ground and a stampede.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a brief statement on Facebook to express condolences over the tragedy.
He wrote, “The stampede in Kolkata is tragic. I express my condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Modi said that “the West Bengal government is trying its best to assist the affected families.”
Summary FAQ
-
The incident occurred outside a religious gathering for the Hindu festival “Durga Puja” in Kolkata, the capital of the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. A large number of people gathered at the spot, which later turned into a stampede due to unexpected circumstances.
-
According to Indian officials and media, at least 19 people died and 25 others were injured in the stampede, including a 7-year-old girl. Police also said that till now the identification of 6 remains has been completed.
-
Senior police officials said that after heavy rain in the evening, a radio announcement created a ruckus and the waiting crowd started pushing, pulling and moving, causing many people to fall and a stampede. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly expressed his condolences and said that the West Bengal government is assisting the affected families.
