Durga Puja stampede claims multiple victims from same families

A stampede during Durga Puja celebrations has resulted in multiple fatalities, with authorities confirming that some families have suffered the loss of more than one member in the incident. The tragedy underscores the dangers faced by worshippers during major religious festivals when large crowds gather at temporary structures.

According to officials, two of those killed in the stampede were identified as devotees from Muzaffarpur district in Bihar. The identification of victims from outside West Bengal highlights the widespread appeal of the festival and the cross-regional participation in Durga Puja celebrations.

State Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed details of the casualties, noting the scale of the personal tragedies involved. The incident has renewed concerns about crowd management and safety protocols at temporary religious structures housing large numbers of devotees during peak festival periods.

Authorities have launched investigations into the circumstances that led to the stampede. Such incidents during major religious gatherings have prompted discussions about implementing stricter safety measures, including regulated entry systems, adequate emergency exits, and improved crowd control mechanisms at pandals across the region.