The death toll has climbed to 87, as reported by Indian news site NDTV, citing officials. Additional casualties have been reported, and there are concerns that the number of fatalities may rise further.
According to Mail Online, the tragedy occurred during a gathering to celebrate the Hindu deity Shiva in Sikandra Kao, Uttar Pradesh state, approximately 120 miles (200km) southeast of New Delhi.
District police spokesperson Manish Chikara stated, “I cannot confirm the exact toll at this moment, but it is approximately 60… There is a possibility that the toll may increase.”
State Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences to the grieving families and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. “Instructions have been issued to officials concerned to carry out relief and rescue operations promptly and ensure proper treatment for the injured,” he wrote on X.
Hathras District Magistrate Ashish Kumar indicated that according to reports from the community health center, between 50 and 60 people lost their lives. “The stampede occurred in a village within the Sikandra Rao police station limits in Hathras. The injured are being transported to hospitals,” he stated.
“This was a private event for which permission was granted by the sub-divisional magistrate. The administration had made security arrangements, but other arrangements were the responsibility of the organizers,” Mr. Kumar added.
Umesh Kumar Tripathi, chief medical officer, reported that many injured individuals have been admitted to hospitals, attributing the primary cause to a stampede during the religious event.
