World · India Bureau
Stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal kills 17, injures dozens
A deadly crush at a crowded temporary shrine in Kolkata has left at least 17 people dead and around 40 injured. Authorities say the incident occurred at the Chorebagan puja pandal as throngs of devotees gathered during the Durga Puja festival.
LSN India ·
A stampede-like situation unfolded at the Chorebagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Tuesday as massive crowds overwhelmed the temporary religious structure, resulting in multiple fatalities and a significant number of injuries. Initial reports indicate that 17 people lost their lives in the crush, while approximately 40 others sustained injuries of varying severity.
Emergency responders transported the injured to Calcutta Medical College, where medical teams worked to treat the casualties. Strewn belongings—including shoes, sandals, and personal items—marked the scene of the tragedy, underscoring the chaotic conditions that unfolded as devotees gathered at the popular puja venue.
West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal rushed to the hospital to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. Investigators have begun examining the circumstances that led to the crowd crush, as authorities work to determine whether adequate crowd management measures were in place at the pandal.