The serene waters of the holy confluence witnessed tragedy as a stampede during the Maha Kumbh festival led to devastation. PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath express deep condolences as rescue operations continue.
Y PC Bureau
Prayagraj: The Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj turned into a scene of heartbreak and chaos in the early hours of Wednesday after a stampede claimed 30 lives and left over 60 people injured. The incident occurred during the Mauni Amavasya ‘Amrit Snan,’ one of the most auspicious bathing rituals that drew millions of devotees to the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
Authorities confirmed that the tragedy unfolded between 1:00 and 2:00 AM when barricades gave way under the massive surge of devotees gathered on the Akhara route. The collapse led to a stampede, with terrified pilgrims pushing and tripping over each other in the narrow pathway. Amid the chaos, several devotees were reportedly ‘run over’ by the frantic crowd.
Scenes of Grief and Desperation
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “devastating and surreal.” Devotees who had come seeking divine blessings instead found themselves in a nightmare. Blood-streaked paths and scattered belongings painted a grim picture as volunteers and police personnel scrambled to rescue the injured. Some survivors knelt on the ground, wailing and calling out the names of their missing loved ones.
ALSO READ: Stampede-Like Chaos at Maha Kumbh: Dozens Injured
Rukmini Devi, a 63-year-old pilgrim from Varanasi, sat clutching her husband’s shawl, her eyes hollow with shock. “We came here for salvation, but I lost him in that chaos. I kept holding his hand, but he was swept away by the crowd,” she sobbed.
Hospital Scenes: Fighting for Lives
At the Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital, the corridors were filled with anguished cries. Doctors and nurses worked relentlessly to treat the injured. Stretchers carrying bloodied and bruised devotees moved in and out of emergency rooms.
“We received 90 patients, 30 of whom succumbed to their injuries despite our best efforts. The rest are in various stages of recovery, with some in critical condition,” said Dr. Manisha Gupta, Chief Medical Officer of the hospital.
Family members crowded the waiting areas, desperate for updates. A father knelt beside his injured daughter’s stretcher, whispering prayers. “I only brought her here because she wanted to experience the holy dip. Now she’s fighting for her life,” he said, his voice breaking.
#BREAKING | Thirty people have lost their lives and 60 others have been injured and receiving treatment in hospitals in the Maha Kumbh stampede, a senior officials said on Wednesday.
Details: https://t.co/FvQJgXvUWj#MahaKumbh #MahaKumbhStampede #KumbhStampede #ABPLive pic.twitter.com/3BEbDHdxQk
— ABP LIVE (@abplive) January 29, 2025
Authorities Respond Swiftly
DIG Vaibhav Krishna, speaking at a press conference, stated that rescue operations were swiftly implemented. “The administration created a green corridor for ambulances to ensure the injured were transported quickly to hospitals. The situation is now under control,” he assured.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath postponed his scheduled visit to Delhi for the election campaign to personally monitor the situation. “I am deeply pained by this tragedy. We are doing everything possible to assist the affected families,” he said.
PM Modi’s Condolences and Immediate Action
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. “The loss of lives in the Prayagraj Mahakumbh stampede is heart-wrenching. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said in a statement.
Modi spoke multiple times with Chief Minister Adityanath, directing the state government to provide all necessary support and expedite relief measures. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also assured the state’s administration of full assistance from the central government.
Akhara Leaders Appeal for Calm
Amidst the tragedy, Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, urged devotees to remain calm and assured that the Akharas were cooperating with the administration. “We are vacating the ghats swiftly to ensure that all devotees can safely take their holy dip,” he said.
A Grim Reminder
This tragic incident has raised questions about crowd management and safety protocols during the Maha Kumbh Mela, which attracts millions of pilgrims from across the country. Experts have called for stricter measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
As night fell over Prayagraj, the chants of prayers mingled with the sobs of grieving families. For many, the Maha Kumbh, a symbol of faith and spiritual rebirth, will forever be marred by this dark chapter.
