Photo : Collected
At least 107 people were crushed to death at a Hindu religious gathering in northern India, with several more injured and fears the toll could rise, government medics said Tuesday (2 July).
Crowds had gathered to celebrate the Hindu deity Shiva in the city of Hathras, some 140 kilometres (87 miles) southeast of New Delhi.
According to the police, prima facie, it appears that suffocation at the venue led to discomfort among the people attending the 'Satsang'. Following this, the people started running, causing a stampede. It was very hot and humid during the event, the police added.
"Many injured have also been admitted," Tripathi said. "The primary reason is a stampede during a religious event."
Deadly accidents are common at places of worship in India during major religious festivals.
At least 112 people were killed in 2016 after a huge explosion caused by a banned fireworks display at a temple marking the Hindu new year.
The blast ripped through concrete buildings and ignited a fire at a temple complex in Kerala state, where thousands had gathered.
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