Kolkata Tragedy: 18 Dead and 45 Injured in Stampede at Chorbagan Durga Puja Pandal

In a major and tragic incident reported from West Bengal, a deadly stampede broke out at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday evening, resulting in the tragic deaths of 18 people. The victims of this heart-wrenching accident include 3 men, 13 women, and 2 children. However, sources from the Kolkata Medical College have claimed that the death toll has reached 20. On top of that, more than 45 people have sustained serious injuries in the accident and are currently undergoing treatment at various hospitals. It's worth noting that this Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal has been organized consecutively for 91 years, and like every year, a massive crowd had gathered to offer prayers.

Rain and Influx of New Visitors Triggered the Tragedy

According to official information provided by the Kolkata Police, heavy rainfall started on Saturday evening. To escape and shelter from the rain, a large number of people rushed inside the pandal. During this time, at around 7:40 PM, as new visitors attempted to gain entry, pushing and shoving started among the crowd. The situation quickly went out of control, triggering a massive and terrifying stampede. Panic gripped the pandal premises as people began running helter-skelter to save their lives.

Lights Turned Off and Other Pandals Closed as Precaution

Immediately after the tragic incident, the pandal lights were switched off and entry for visitors was completely barred, while following this event, several other Durga puja pandals in the city have also been closed down as a precautionary measure to prevent any further untoward incidents. The Bengal government has also issued a toll-free helpline number 18003455678 to assist the affected people and their families during this crisis.

Eyewitness Accounts Reveal the Horrific Scene

A local eyewitness present at the scene recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating that five people collapsed onto the ground right in front of his eyes. Immediately after the accident, an atmosphere of intense fear and confusion prevailed among the people present there. He questioned why, at such a large religious gathering venue, there were no adequate arrangements made to control the massive crowd or to handle any emergency situation. According to the eyewitness, when the pandal structures came under pressure and people fell down, individuals were running over one another in the chaos to save themselves, while those who fell to the ground were trampled upon by the moving crowd. He clearly stated that had there been proper security and emergency response arrangements at the spot, perhaps so many innocent lives wouldn't have been lost.

Allegations of Lack of Help Despite Police Presence

Another local eyewitness made a serious allegation, stating that although thousands of volunteers and police personnel were present at the spot, there was no one to help the injured victims of the accident. According to him, a Kolkata Police vehicle was parked very close to the accident site, yet local residents had to step forward on their own to help the victims. He also made a major claim that not a single member of the puja committee was visible at the site during the incident. On top of that, local residents raised sharp questions regarding the ambulance arrangements at the venue. They alleged that despite such a massive event, no ambulances were stationed there, reflecting gross negligence regarding emergency medical arrangements and event preparations.

President, Prime Minister, and Home Minister Express Grief

Currently, the picture of the conditions during the accident is emerging based on the statements of eyewitnesses and initial police investigations. The injured were rushed to hospitals with the prompt assistance of locals and police. People have repeatedly claimed that no necessary arrangements were made near the puja pandal to control the massive crowd or handle emergency situations, which led to a higher death toll. President of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed deep grief over the tragic accident, while prime Minister Modi stated in his message that the stampede in Kolkata is extremely tragic, and his thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and noted that the local administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected people.