Stampede In India Kills Dozens
Many were crushed after panic erupted on a bridge near the Ratangarh temple in Madhya Pradesh state. Witnesses of the chaos believe that the stampede was instigated by rumors that the bridge was collapsing under the weight of the thousands of people who had crowded onto the bridge. Another possibility is that the police's attempt to control the crowd using batons may have been the cause of panic.
Atul Chaudhary, survivor of the incident, told the BBC Hindi that he heard screams and began to rush off the bridge. "Several people could be seen flattened to the ground in the midst of the melee," he recalled. Other people jumped into the swollen river and are believed to have drowned according to the New York Times.
The majority of those killed were woman and children. An investigation has been launched to find out what caused the panic that lead to this stampede. According to Reuters, this is not the first stampede to break out at a Hindu festival. Last February, a similar occurance broke out, killing at least 36 Hindu pilgrims who were taking part in the world's largest religious festival that attracted nearly 30 million people.
Officials have promised compensation for the victims of Sunday's incident, saying that each family of the killed victims will receive about $2,450 and $820 for those who endured serious injuries.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh released a statement saying, "On this day of festivities, our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their families."
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