Several feared dead, and at least 25 people were injured after a stampede occurred at the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata’s Girish Park police station area on Saturday
evening, Kolkata Police said.
The incident took place at around 7:40 pm on October 17, when a heavy crowd of pandal visitors gathered at the exit gate. Several people were injured in the incident and were rescued and taken to Medical College and Hospital (MCH).
Stampede At Pandal Exit Gate
According to the Kolkata Police, the stampede occurred at the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Puja pandal amid heavy crowds.
The police said all injured people were rescued and shifted to hospital for medical treatment. As per information available so far, around 35 people have been taken to MCH.
Further details about the number and condition of those injured are awaited.
Heavy Crowd At Exit Gate Triggered Rush
The stampede occurred at the exit gate of the pandal, where a large number of visitors had gathered. The heavy crowd led to a sudden rush and resulted in the stampede.
Police, the Fire Brigade, Disaster Management Group (DMG) teams and ambulances with medical personnel were deployed to rescue and assist those affected.
The pandal has now been closed to visitors following the incident.
Mamata Banerjee Expresses Shock
West Bengal’s former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the incident.
“Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal,” Banerjee said in a post, adding that she prayed to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of those injured and for “strength and courage” for their families.
Emergency Teams Deployed
Following the incident, reinforcements from the Kolkata Police Control Room, Fire Brigade, Disaster Management Group (DMG) and ambulances with medical teams were deployed at the spot.
The authorities also moved to control the crowd and carry out the rescue operation.
Pandal Closed To Visitors
The Puja pandal has now been closed to visitors following the stampede.
Police and emergency teams remain deployed in the area as authorities assess the situation and gather further details about the incident.
