Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: 17 Feared Dead, Several Injured

According to media reports, several people have been injured, and at least 17 are feared dead following a stampede at a Durga Puja event in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

The instance was reported on Saturday evening at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal, located in the northern part of Kolkata. As per reports, heavy rain and large crowds led to the chaos as believers quickly to find shelter at the place.

The unexpected surge initiated people to fall, prompting a stampede-like situation. Emergency teams quickly to the scene, and the incapacitated were taken to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

Police clogged more entry into the pandal, while senior officials stayed the hospital to evaluate the state and direct rescue efforts.

However, the death toll remains unconfirmed, with media outlets reporting different figures. The Times of India reported that around 35 people had been taken to hospital, while no official death toll had been announced at the time of reporting.

Durga Puja is one of the major annual Hindu festivals in West Bengal, fascinating large crowds to momentary sacred structures known as pandals, where idols of Goddess Durga are displayed.