19 Killed in Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede

At least 19 people have been killed in a stampede caused by crowd pressure at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, in India’s West Bengal. At least 25 others were injured. They were rescued and taken to hospital.

The accident happened on Saturday (17 October) evening at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in the Girish Park police station area of north Kolkata.

According to a report by Indian media outlet NDTV, the stampede occurred at around 7:40 pm because of overcrowding at the exit of the pandal. Pressure from visitors had built up at the pandal during heavy rain. At one point, a rush broke out in the crowd, and many people fell and were trampled underfoot. The initial report said several of the injured are in critical condition.

According to Kolkata Police, the entry and exit routes of the Chorbagan Sarbojanin pandal in the Girish Park police station area had become overcrowded. After the accident, police, fire service and rescue teams reached the spot and began rescue work. The injured were taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. The pandal has been closed to visitors for safety reasons.

Eyewitnesses described the entry and exit routes of the pandal as narrow and said there was not enough lighting nearby. One eyewitness told news agency ANI that many people lost consciousness during the stampede. Some of them were rushed to hospital on motorcycles and other vehicles. He said his daughter and grandson were also injured and are being treated in hospital.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and senior state officials visited the hospital to check on the injured. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident. He offered condolences to the families of the dead and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed grief. In a message on X, she wished the injured a quick recovery. She also prayed to Goddess Durga to give courage and strength to the families of the injured in this difficult time.