Mourning the Loss: Survivors Reflect on Maha Kumbh Stampede
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Synopsis
In the aftermath of the Maha Kumbh Mela stampede in Prayagraj, which resulted in over 30 fatalities, survivors and families are struggling to cope with their grief. Many recount their harrowing experiences before the tragedy, highlighting the chaos that led to the disaster.
Key Takeaways
- At least 30 fatalities and around 60 injuries reported.
- Victims included individuals from Ballia, Nasirabad, and Gonda.
- The stampede occurred during the Mauni Amavasya holy dip.
- Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- Families are grappling with profound losses.
Lucknow, Jan 30 (NationPress) Following the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj early Wednesday, which resulted in the loss of at least 30 lives and injured approximately 60 others, the community is grappling with their grief on Thursday. Many individuals shared their experiences leading up to the stampede that caused separation from their groups.
Among the deceased, four individuals hailed from Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh. Two of the victims were from Nasirabad, while another pair came from the vicinity of the Nagra police station.
The incident unfolded at the mela ground as an enormous crowd surged towards Triveni Sangam for the sacred dip on Mauni Amavasya, as reported by Uttar Pradesh DIG Vaibhav Krishna.
Dilip Patel, mourning the loss of his sister-in-law and niece in this tragic event, expressed his sorrow. He said, “Our sister-in-law and niece are no longer with us. They had gone to Prayagraj for the holy dip. My niece was just 12 years old, and my sister-in-law was 35.”
Similarly, Durgesh Singh from the Nagra police area shared his grief, stating, “My sister-in-law, Rinki Singh, went with 12 to 13 people and lost her life in the stampede.”
The tragedy impacted families beyond Ballia, claiming the life of Nankan Kori from Gonda. His nephew recounted how Nankan had attended the Maha Kumbh with 12 family members and numerous others from the Gonda Gram Sabha.
“When the stampede broke out, my uncle got separated from his companions. After the situation was controlled, his companions searched for him. Hours later, they found him injured in a hospital, but he was sadly declared dead,” shared Betu Lal, Nankan's nephew.
The administration facilitated the transport of Nankan's body back to Gonda, where his family is in deep mourning.
“He was brought to the hospital by the police, but it was too late. The administration helped us take his body home,” Betu Lal added.
Amidst the chaos, a survivor recalled her traumatic experience to IANS.
“As we headed to the Sangam, a stampede erupted. Out of our group of 12 people, only I am here. The others are missing — we were all separated,” she recounted.
She vividly described the frantic moments leading to the catastrophe.
“People were all moving through the same area, causing collisions. I came from Ballia and spent the night on the road. I don’t know how I will return or what happened to the others in my group,” she lamented.
Authorities are currently investigating the factors that contributed to this devastating stampede, as families cope with the loss of their loved ones.
