A major commotion broke out late Thursday evening on the final day of the famous Bali Yatra in Cuttack, Odisha. During a live concert by popular Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal, thousands of people. In the crowd became uncontrollable, leading to a stampede-like situation at the event venue. The incident occurred late Thursday evening as Shreya Ghoshal's highly anticipated performance began, and the excitement of the audience quickly escalated into an unmanageable crowd.
Unruly Crowd Behavior
As the concert commenced, thousands of people surged towards the stage. Everyone wanted to get closer to the stage, which put immense pressure on the barricades erected in front of the main stage. The sheer number of people was so overwhelming that the security perimeter began to weaken, and pushing and shoving intensified, while this situation rapidly deteriorated, causing panic among the attendees. The unruly behavior of the crowd posed a significant challenge for the security personnel present.
Stampede and Fainting Incidents
The increasing pressure from the crowd led to a stampede-like situation at the concert venue. Many people, in a state of panic, started running in different directions, creating a chaotic environment. Amidst this chaos, two individuals fainted and collapsed. It's reported that they fell unconscious due to the extreme crowd density, suffocation, heat, and continuous pushing. This incident further heightened concerns among the audience, making it even more difficult to bring the situation under control. The unconscious individuals required immediate medical attention.
Swift Intervention by Police and Security
As soon as the situation began to worsen and reports of people fainting emerged, the security personnel and police present at the scene immediately sprang into action. They acted swiftly to control the crowd and normalize the situation. The two unconscious individuals were promptly taken to a nearby medical facility, where their treatment began. The quick response from the police and security personnel averted a major tragedy. Their vigilance ensured that the injured received timely assistance.
Senior Officials Take Charge
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, senior police officers, including the Commissioner and Additional Commissioner, immediately arrived at the venue, while they personally took charge of controlling the crowd and ensuring the safe continuation of the event. The officials devised a plan to gradually and safely disperse the crowd to prevent any further untoward incidents. Their presence and leadership played a crucial role in preventing the situation from escalating further, while they ensured strict adherence to security protocols.
Administration's Appeal and Lessons for the Future
Following the incident, the administration has appealed to the fair attendees and future participants of such large-scale events to remain calm, avoid pushing, and adhere to safety guidelines. This incident underscores the importance of crowd management and solid security protocols at large public gatherings, while officials have urged everyone to cooperate and exercise restraint to avoid such accidents. This event provides crucial lessons for organizers and security agencies for future events.
