Stampede death toll rises to at least 36
- 11 years ago
EDIT CONTAINS 4:3 MATERIAL
At least 36 Hindu pilgrims are now confirmed dead after a stampede at a railroad station in Allahabad India where the world's largest religious gathering is taking place.
According to government officials, a handrail on a footbridge broke. The rush of people slipping down the steps started a stampede.
But railway officials say the stampede happened because police using batons caused crowds to panic.
Of those who were crushed to death, 27 were elderly women, one was an eight year old girl. Nearly 40 others were injured and are being treated in hospital.
The two month long Kumbh Mela festival is held every three years in one of four Indian cities.
The gathering in Allahabad, which is considered the holiest city, is expected to draw some 100 million people.
At least 36 Hindu pilgrims are now confirmed dead after a stampede at a railroad station in Allahabad India where the world's largest religious gathering is taking place.
According to government officials, a handrail on a footbridge broke. The rush of people slipping down the steps started a stampede.
But railway officials say the stampede happened because police using batons caused crowds to panic.
Of those who were crushed to death, 27 were elderly women, one was an eight year old girl. Nearly 40 others were injured and are being treated in hospital.
The two month long Kumbh Mela festival is held every three years in one of four Indian cities.
The gathering in Allahabad, which is considered the holiest city, is expected to draw some 100 million people.