Hathras, India: In a tragic turn of events, at least 100+ people have lost their lives in a devastating crush at a religious gathering in the Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh, northern India. The incident took place at a satsang (a Hindu religious event) in Hathras district in Uttar Pradesh state.
Officials report that The victims, including many women and children, are still being identified. Survivors have recounted the chaos that ensued as attendees attempted to leave the event. Witnesses reported that the exit was too narrow, and a sudden dust storm caused confusion and panic, leading to a deadly stampede.
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, described the scene: Everything was going fine until all of a sudden I heard screams, and before I knew it, people were falling on each other. Many were crushed, and I couldn’t do much. I am just lucky to have survived.
a woman at the event, told the Press Trust of India, When the sermon finished, everyone started running out. People fell in a drain by the road. They started falling on top of each other and got crushed to death.
The chief medical officer from the neighboring district of Etah, confirmed that at least three children were among the deceased. A spokesperson for a senior police officer in Uttar Pradesh stated that it would take hours to release the final death toll.
Disturbing images and videos from the scene have been circulating online, showing injured individuals being transported to hospitals in makeshift vehicles such as pick-up trucks, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes.
Criticism of the response to the incident is mounting. Such a huge accident has happened but not a single senior officer is present here, a relative said in a video, questioning the absence of administration.