A tragic crowd crush during Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal has claimed at least 17 lives, according to preliminary information. More than 40 people were reported injured in the incident.
The stampede occurred at a Durga Puja pandal set up at Sorpagan Sarbojanin in north Kolkata. With Saptami being observed, a large number of devotees gathered at the venue at the same time.
As the crowd swelled, a portion of the pandal reportedly collapsed, triggering panic and leaving many trapped. Several people fainted due to suffocation, officials said, and the injured were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
Leader Suvendu Adhikari visited the hospital along with officials and met those undergoing treatment, seeking details on how the accident took place. Governor R.N. Ravi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
