Stampede at Kumbh Mela Festival in India Leaves at Least 30 Dead
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A devastating stampede occurred at the Kumbh Mela festival in India, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people. The incident took place at Triveni Sangam, a sacred bathing site where millions of devotees had gathered to celebrate 'Mauni Amavasya,' a significant day for Hindu pilgrims. The Kumbh Mela, which takes place every 12 years in the city of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the world's largest religious gatherings, attracting tens of millions of people.
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The stampede was triggered by a sudden rush of pilgrims, leading to a chaotic situation where many were crushed underfoot. Reports indicate that nearly 40 bodies were brought to the morgue, with a Reuters witness counting 39 bodies inside the morgue. The death toll has been confirmed to be at least 30, with some reports suggesting it could be higher.The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has ordered a judicial probe into the incident to investigate the causes and ensure accountability. The police have stated that the stampede was likely due to overcrowding and poor crowd management, which are common issues at such massive gatherings.Among the deceased were four devotees from Karnataka, highlighting the national impact of the tragedy. The festival, which is a significant religious event for Hindus, has historically been marred by such incidents, making crowd safety a critical concern for future gatherings.