Panic at prayer gathering in Uttar Pradesh: 87 dead including children

In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, a crowd of worshippers gathered for religious ceremonies on Tuesday suddenly began to trample each other in panic for reasons not yet determined. Approximately 60 people died on the spot, and the number of victims exceeded 100 in the following hours.

The tragedy unfolded in the village of Phulrai, within the jurisdiction of the Sikandra Rao police station in Hathras, about 120 miles from the capital, New Delhi. The people celebrated a religious event known as Satsang, a type of spiritual practice in Hinduism.

According to Indian television NDTV, state authorities were informed of the tragedy and appointed a special investigative commission to investigate the circumstances. Hathras district judge Ashish Kumar stated that, based on data received from the community health center, 50-60 people died. Officials in the Etah district confirmed the death of another 27 people.

The accident occurred during a private event. The district judge granted permission for the gathering. For unknown reasons, panic suddenly erupted in the crowd. Judge Kumar said the administration was responsible for security, but the organizers were to make other arrangements.

Senior Police Inspector in Etah, Rajesh Kumar, reported that among the victims of the panic were also children. So far, 27 bodies have been sent to the hospital, of which 23 are women and three are children, confirmed the inspector.

A woman who attended the Satsang told NDTV that the worshippers paid homage to the local guru, Bhole Baba, known as Narayan Saakar Hari. Panic broke out when the crowd was already dispersing.

Authorities announced that those injured during the tragic celebration could expect compensation. The amount has not yet been specified. It is known that both the injured and the victims' families can expect financial assistance. Officials also said that legal action would be taken against the organizers.

Indian Prime Minister Yogi Adityanath wrote on social media that officials have been instructed to conduct relief and rescue operations according to the special state formula. Two state ministers, Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, and Sandeep Singh, went to the village, and the chief secretary and director-general of police were also sent there.

Offering condolences to the families of the deceased, the prime minister said a commission had been established to investigate the incident. President Droupadi Murmu wrote in a post on X that "the incident is heart-wrenching".

"I extend my sincerest condolences to those who lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," wrote the president.

Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, also offered condolences. He called on volunteers across India to assist in the rescue and relief efforts.

According to authorities, in the horrifying incident that took place on Tuesday during a religious event in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, at least 87 people died, including women and three children.

Panic ensued during the "satsang" (prayer meeting), which hundreds of people attended. Visuals from the Community Health Center showed several bodies being brought there by buses and trucks in the presence of crying relatives.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath noted the incident and, following his instructions, appointed a commission to investigate the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu also offered condolences to the families of the deceased and said they are praying for the swift recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi said that the central government is providing all possible assistance to the Uttar Pradesh government.