Stampede at Kolkata religious festival kills 19, injures 25

A stampede at a Durga Puja gathering in Kolkata has claimed at least 19 lives, with 25 others sustaining injuries in the crush. The incident unfolded when sudden rainfall prompted crowds to rush for shelter during the popular Hindu festival celebration.

The exact circumstances leading to the stampede remain under investigation, though witnesses indicated that heavy downpour caused panic among the densely packed attendees. Emergency services responded to the scene, where rescue operations were launched to assist those trapped and injured in the melee.

Durga Puja, one of the most significant religious festivals in eastern India, draws massive crowds annually. The celebration, which typically spans several days, sees devotees gathering at pandals—specially constructed temporary structures—to worship the Hindu goddess Durga.

Local authorities have begun documenting the incident and examining crowd management protocols at the venue. Officials stated that investigations into the stampede's cause would determine whether safety measures were adequately implemented during the gathering.