A deadly stampede at India’s Kumbh Mela festival on Wednesday has claimed at least 30 lives, with many more injured, as a surging crowd trampled bystanders near the sacred confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours, as devotees gathered for a holy bath during one of the festival's most significant rituals.

Hindu pilgrims, many of whom were sleeping or sitting near the river, were caught in the chaos when the crowd pushed forward, leading to crushing and trampling. Renu Devi, 48, recounted being pinned by the crowd, stating that elderly and women were particularly vulnerable.

Rescue teams worked tirelessly through piles of discarded belongings, transporting victims to nearby medical facilities. The official death toll is still pending, but a doctor at the scene confirmed at least 15 fatalities and dozens of injuries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, calling the incident "extremely sad," while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reassured the public that medical aid was underway, with the situation under control.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding crowd management at massive religious gatherings like the Kumbh Mela, which draws millions every 12 years. The festival, rooted in Hindu mythology, has seen previous deadly stampedes, including 400 deaths in 1954 and 36 in 2013.

The Uttar Pradesh state government has asked pilgrims to avoid the main bathing site and continue their rituals elsewhere, urging cooperation with security personnel. Despite this, many pilgrims are choosing to leave the city in fear of further incidents.

Crowd control measures, including drones and cameras, were implemented this year, but incidents like this continue to raise questions about safety at such a massive gathering.

Channelstv