Kolkata: Several people were seriously injured after a stampede-like situation at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening.
At least 17 of the injured have died, NDTV reported, but there has been no official confirmation till now. The injured have been rushed to the Medical College Hospital, Calcutta.
West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari and chief secretary Manoj Agarwal also reached the hospital to take stock of the situation. State health minister Saradwat Mukherjee is also at the hospital to coordinate with doctors.
The Puja pandal – considered one of the most attractive this year – has been closed down by the police. Senior officials have reached the spot to speak to organisers and eye-witnesses to understand what actually occurred.
“Stampede occurred at the exit gate of Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Durga Puja pandal, under Girish Park police station, around 7.40 pm on October 17 due to heavy crowding amid rain,” the Kolkata Police said in a statement.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured,” West Bengal Governor R N Ravi said.
Former chief minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed shock and grief at the incident and posted: “Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal. I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time.”
Prima facie investigation has revealed that there were heavy crowds trying to enter the pandal on Saptami evening when a thunderstorm struck.
People waiting in queues outside pushed aside barricades and attempted to enter the pandal. This overcrowding led to the collapse of a portion of the pandal. As people attempted to leave, the stampede-like situation occurred near the exit gate.
The organisers and security personnel present reacted immediately to help people. Eye witnesses said that the injured were rushed to the hospital on motorcycles before ambulance started arriving.
The West Bengal government launched a toll-free helpline – 18003455678 – immediately after the incident.