In July 2021, a tragic stampede in the northeastern state of India claimed the lives of at least 107 people, predominantly women. The incident took place during a sermon delivered by a cleric in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh state, approximately 140 km southeast of New Delhi.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene where people fell on top of each other, resulting in a stampede that led to numerous casualties. One injured person shared their experience of attempting to leave the overcrowded venue but finding the exit blocked by parked motorcycles. Many individuals fainted, and sadly, many lost their lives in the ensuing chaos. The Hindustan Times reported the death toll at 107 individuals.
The cause of the stampede is currently being investigated by authorities. Local police have suggested that devotees may have been suffocating due to the hot and humid weather, prompting them to flee the area and triggering the tragic event. However, it is not yet clear if this theory holds any water.
India has a history of fatal accidents occurring during significant religious festivals and events at places of worship. In 2016, an explosion during a fireworks display marking the Hindu New Year claimed the lives of at least 112 people in Kerala state. Similarly, in a tragic stampede in Madhya Pradesh in 2013, 115 individuals lost their lives on a bridge near a temple following rumors of its imminent collapse. Another distressing incident in 2008 saw 224 pilgrims killed and over 400 injured in a stampede at a hilltop temple in Jodhpur, emphasizing the need for improved crowd control and safety measures at such events.
The tragic incident highlights how important it is to ensure that such events are properly planned and executed with safety measures put in place to prevent such incidents from happening again.
In conclusion, while authorities are currently investigating the cause behind this tragic incident, it serves as an unfortunate reminder that such accidents can occur during significant religious festivals and events at places of worship across India.
