Durga Puja pandal collapse in Kolkata kills 19, injures 25

A portion of the Chor Bagan Durga Puja pandal gave way on Saturday evening as intense rainfall and surging crowds converged at the site, triggering a devastating stampede that claimed 19 lives. The collapse, which occurred during peak festive hours, left another 25 people injured and sent worshippers fleeing in panic.

Rescue operations mobilized immediately after the incident, with emergency personnel extracting the injured and deceased from the debris. Local hospitals received an overwhelming influx of casualties as medical teams worked through the evening to treat the wounded.

The city police have taken 12 individuals into custody in connection with the incident as preliminary investigations began. A Special Investigation Team has been constituted to examine the circumstances surrounding the structure's failure, including crowd management protocols, structural integrity, and safety compliance at the pandal.

The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at temporary structures during major religious festivals in the densely populated metropolis. Durga Puja, one of eastern India's most significant celebrations, draws millions of devotees to pandals across Kolkata each year. Authorities have not yet issued preliminary findings regarding the specific causes of the structural failure.