At least 11 pilgrims are reported dead with many more injured after a stampede at a Hindu religious festival in India. Thousands of people had
ADVERTISEMENTAt least 11 pilgrims are reported dead with many more injured after a stampede at a Hindu religious festival in India.
Thousands of people had gathered outside a temple in the eastern state of Jharkhand but tragedy struck when the doors opened at daybreak.
“We were all queueing,” said pilgrim Nidhi Kumari.
“Suddenly there was a push and we all fell down.”
The stampede in Deoghar came as devotees had assembled for a day considered auspicious for the temple’s goddess.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences.
Pained at loss of lives due to the stampede in Jharkhand. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the deceased in this hour of grief
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 10 Août 2015
Stampedes are not uncommon at large religious festivals in India,
which is set to overtake China and become the world’s most populous country in less than a decade, according to the UN.