The number of fatalities from a crush at a Hindu spiritual gathering in northern India has escalated to 121, as per local officials on Wednesday. An alarming police account revealed that the crowd exceeded the authorised limit by more than threefold. The pandemonium occurred on Tuesday at the village of Phulrai Mughal Garhi in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras region, situated roughly 200km southeast from New Delhi. The police report (FIR) states that around a quarter of a million individuals assembled, despite an official head count limit of 80,000.
The state authorities confirmed that at least 121 individuals met a tragic end and there were 31 injured, among them 112 women and seven children. Medical personnel at the Hathras district hospital, where a portion of the victims were treated, informed Reuters that asphyxiation was the main cause of death.
“If one becomes entangled in a crush, the injuries are largely fractures, abrasions or general body pain. Hence, a majority of individuals arose and left,” explained Neeta Jain, lead of the hospital’ emergency department. There was utter turmoil at the event when Surajpal, the spiritual speaker who is also known as ‘Bhole Baba’, was departing in his vehicle. According to the document, a large number of followers surged and darted towards the automobile, causing others in the audience to be squashed.
Similarly, some individuals slipped and were trampled in a neighbouring muddy field. A lower-ranking officer issued a note to the district supervisor narrating alike circumstances. This disturbance was triggered when the speaker’s personnel prevented the devotees from advancing towards the vehicle, leading many to trip and tumble. Other individuals attempted to avoid the crush and ran towards nearby open spaces but stumbled and fell in the crowd’s trajectory.
Local reports did not name any persons responsible but noted the gathering was hosted by a group of devotees. ANI news agency, where Reuters holds a minority share, reported that police are trying to locate the speaker.
The police in Hathras were not immediately on hand for a comment. One of the victims was Ruby (30), who journeyed over 300km (185 miles) with her father, Chedilal, to partake in the religious event.
“During the calamity, the sound of women in terror was bone-chilling,” recounted Chedilal to Reuters. “Bodies were chaotically heaped near the exit. Overcome with fear, I fled calling my daughter desperately.” Following a harrowing night spent scouring various medical facilities in search of his daughter, Chedilal eventually discovered her remains at the Hathras district hospital the following morning.
The scene of the incident, situated amidst rice fields close to a bustling motorway, was left desolate, littered with debris and partially water-logged due to Wednesday morning’s rain. The only remnants of the unfortunate incident were makeshift bamboo poles and a banner showcasing the preacher’s image. (Courtesy of Reuters)
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