Families Grieve as Survivor Remembers Moments Before Maha Kumbh Stampede
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Synopsis
The Maha Kumbh Mela stampede in Prayagraj has left families devastated, with 30 dead and 60 injured. Survivors recount harrowing experiences, highlighting the chaos that led to the tragedy as authorities investigate the incident.
Key Takeaways
- At least 30 dead and 60 injured in Maha Kumbh stampede.
- Tragedy struck as crowds surged towards Triveni Sangam.
- Victims included individuals from Ballia and Gonda.
- Authorities are investigating the causes of the stampede.
- Survivors share their harrowing experiences of separation.
Lucknow, Jan 30 (NationPress) Following the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj early Wednesday morning, which resulted in at least 30 fatalities and approximately 60 injuries, families continued to grapple with their profound loss on Thursday. Many recounted their experiences just before the stampede unfolded, leading to separations from their loved ones.
Among the deceased, four individuals were from Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh. Two of the victims were from Nasirabad, while the remaining two hailed from the area under the jurisdiction of the Nagra police station.
The stampede transpired at the mela ground as a massive crowd surged towards Triveni Sangam for the sacred dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, as reported by Uttar Pradesh DIG Vaibhav Krishna.
Dilip Patel, a mourning relative, shared the heart-wrenching loss of his sister-in-law and niece during the chaos. He remarked, "Our sister-in-law and niece are no longer with us. They had traveled to Prayagraj for the holy dip. My niece was only 12 years old, and my sister-in-law was 35," he told IANS.
Another resident, Durgesh Singh from the Nagra police station area, mourned his loss, stating, "My sister-in-law, Rinki Singh, was with a group of 12 to 13 people and tragically lost her life in the stampede," he shared with IANS.
The devastating event was not limited to Ballia; it also claimed the life of Nankan Kori, a resident of Gonda. His nephew, Betu Lal, recounted Nankan's journey to the Maha Kumbh with 12 family members and countless others from the Gonda Gram Sabha.
"When the stampede erupted, my uncle was separated from his group. After the chaos subsided, his companions searched for him and eventually found him in a hospital, but he was declared dead by the doctors," Betu Lal explained.
The administration arranged for an ambulance to bring Nankan's body back to Gonda, where his family is now devastated.
"He was taken to the hospital by the police, but it was too late. The administration helped us transport his body home," Betu Lal added.
In the midst of the tragedy, a survivor recounted her terrifying experience to IANS.
"As we made our way toward the Sangam, a stampede occurred. Out of our group of 12 people, I am the only one left. The rest are missing — we all got separated," she shared.
She described the chaotic moments leading up to the disaster, stating, "People were all funneling through the same area, resulting in collisions. I came from Ballia and spent the night on the street. I am uncertain how I will return or what happened to the others in my group," she lamented.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances that led to this tragic stampede while families continue to cope with the loss of their cherished ones.
