Kolkata, Oct 17: At least 17 people died and 25 others were injured in a stampede-like incident at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said. One of the injured was reported to be in critical condition.
The incident occurred at the Chorbagan community Durga Puja pandal near Chittaranjan Avenue. According to Adhikari, an announcement by the puja organisers triggered a sudden rush among visitors, leading to the tragic incident.
Rain Triggers Crowd Rush at Chorbagan Puja Pandal
A police officer said heavy crowd movement began when rain started falling. People waiting outside the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal rushed forward, and some fell onto the road, resulting in a stampede-like situation.
The incident caused panic among visitors gathered to celebrate the Durga Puja festival. Authorities rushed to the location to manage the situation and assist those affected.
Injured Shifted to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal visited Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, where the injured were taken for treatment.
Adhikari said 17 people were brought dead to the hospital, while 25 others sustained injuries. One injured person was in critical condition.
West Bengal Health Minister Saradwat Mukherjee and other senior officials also reached the hospital to assess the situation. Disaster management personnel were deployed at the site to support emergency operations.
Mamata Banerjee Expresses Shock Over Stampede
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep shock and sadness over the stampede-like incident at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal.
She prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and expressed solidarity with the victims’ families during the difficult time.
The incident has raised concerns about crowd management and public safety at crowded Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, where large numbers of devotees gather during the festival.
