Hathras.03.07.2024: In a tragic turn of events, the death toll in the UP Hathras Stampede has risen to 116, with the primary cause being suffocation. The stampede broke out during the conclusion of a ‘Satsang’ at Phulrai village near Mandi of Sikandrarau in Hathras.
Overcrowding Leads to Tragic Up Hathras Stampede
The stampede occurred due to severe overcrowding at the Satsang, a Hindu religious congregation that usually takes place overnight. According to Sikandara Rao police station SHO Ashish Kumar, the event saw an overwhelming number of attendees, which led to the unfortunate incident.
Heartbreaking Scenes at Hathras Hospital
Bodies lay scattered at a medical centre in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district on Tuesday. The victims, dead or unconscious, were brought to the district’s Sikandara Rao Trauma Centre in ambulances, trucks, and cars. Outside the hospital, scenes of grief unfolded as people milled around the bodies, wiping away tears and consoling each other.
One woman was seen crying among five or six bodies in a truck, pleading for help to retrieve her daughter’s body. Another video clip showed a man and a woman lying lifeless in a separate vehicle. Many of the injured were seen lying near the entrance of the local government hospital, surrounded by anxious relatives. Locals blamed the administration’s negligence for the tragedy.
Official Response to the Tragedy
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the families of those killed in the stampede. He has instructed officials to reach the accident site and carry out relief measures. Senior Superintendent of Police, Etah, Rajesh Kumar Singh, confirmed that among the deceased, there are 23 women, three children, and one man.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the management and safety measures at large public gatherings, prompting a thorough investigation into the causes and possible negligence leading to the stampede.
Shocked and saddened to hear of the unfolding tragedy at a satsang in Hathras. 122 devotees dead, many more seriously injured. My sincere condolences. Terrible news. pic.twitter.com/TX2R6IWvJ0
— Anand Ranganathan (@ARanganathan72) July 2, 2024
