2013 Prayag Kumbh Mela stampede
Date | 10 February 2013 |
---|---|
Location | Allahabad , Uttar Pradesh, India |
Deaths | 42 |
Non-fatal injuries | 45 |
On 10 February 2013, during the
Background
The stampede
According to initial reports, the stampede broke out after a railing on a footbridge collapsed at the Allahabad railway station. Eyewitnesses, however, said that the stampede was triggered after the railway police charged at the crowd with wooden sticks in order to control the huge rush at the station. 42 people were killed by the crush of people, including 29 women, 12 men, and an eight-year-old girl who died after waiting almost two hours for help.[3] At least 45 people were injured in addition.[4]
In an unrelated event earlier that day, two people were killed in another stampede.[5]
Reaction
Prime Minister
On 11 February 2013, Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, who was in charge of the Kumbh Mela, took responsibility for the stampede and resigned.[4][9] Praising the minister for his sincere work, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, rejected Khan's resignation. [10]
Other stampedes
Due to the huge number of attendees stampedes are relatively common during Kumbh Mela festivals. The
References
- ^ a b "Allahabad stampede kills 36 Kumbh Mela pilgrims". Reuters. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "India's Kumbh Mela festival holds most auspicious day". BBC. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Police blamed for Kumbh Mela deaths". Bangkok Post. 12 February 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ a b "Kumbh Mela chief Azam Khan resigns over stampede". BBC. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Two killed in stampede at Kumbh Mela". NDTV. 10 February 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Over 10 people killed in stampede at Allahabad railway station- Uttar Pradesh". IBN Live. 10 February 2013. Archived from the original on 13 February 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Stampede at Allahabad Railway station: several feared dead; PM announces help". Hindustan Times. 11 February 2013. Archived from the original on 13 February 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Allahabad tragedy Live: No idea why crowds surged, says Rail official". First Post. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Azam Khan resigns as in charge of Kumbh over Allahabad stampede". The Times of India. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Akhilesh rejects Azam Khan's resignation as Kumbh in-charge". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
- ^ "Why We Shouldn't Be Surprised by the Kumbh Mela Stampede". The Wall Street Journal. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.