At least 35 injured, many feared dead in stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal

A section of Kolkata's Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal collapsed amid crowd pressure on Saptami evening, reportedly triggering a stampede-like situation. Several people were injured and taken to Calcutta Medical College Hospital for treatment.

In Short

• Crowd pressure caused the collapse, leading to injuries
• Injured taken to Calcutta Medical College Hospital for treatment
• Police and disaster officials reached the site promptly

Almost 40 people were injured and several others were feared dead after a section of the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata reportedly collapsed amid heavy crowd pressure on Saptami evening, triggering a stampede-like situation.

The incident occurred as a large number of devotees gathered at the pandal to celebrate Durga Puja.

The injured were evacuated from the spot and taken to Calcutta Medical College Hospital for treatment. Police personnel and disaster management officials rushed to the site after receiving information about the incident, while puja organisers reportedly helped manage the situation and assist those affected.

An eyewitness in North Kolkata said several people lost consciousness amid the heavy crowd, with some being taken away on motorcycles.

"I witnessed this happening all around—when people fainted, they were taken away on bikes. All of this took place, and there was a massive crowd as well," he said to ANI.

Another eyewitness said both the entrance and exit gates were narrow and the area lacked proper lighting. He also added that their daughter and granddaughter had been hospitalised after the incident.

The West Bengal government has launched a toll-free helpline, 18003455678, following the incident.

PANDAL CLOSED TO VISITORS: POLICE

Kolkata Police, in a statement, said, "Stampede occurred at the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Durga Puja pandal, under Girish Park police station, at around 7.40 pm on October 17 due to heavy crowding amid rain."

They also mentioned that all injured people were rescued and shifted to Calcutta Medical College Hospital (MCH). Reinforcements from the police control room, fire brigade, Disaster Management Group and ambulances with medical teams were deployed to the spot.

"The pandal has been closed to visitors. According to the police, around 35 people had been taken to MCH so far. Further details are awaited," the statement concluded.

The weather had turned unfavourable from Saptami afternoon, with heavy rain lashing Kolkata and its adjoining areas. However, the showers did little to dampen the festive spirit, as devotees continued pandal-hopping with umbrellas in hand.

After a brief lull in the afternoon, rain returned in the evening. Undeterred, crowds continued to throng Durga Puja pandals across the city, even as the weather remained inclement. It was amid this festive rush that disaster struck at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal.

SUVENDU ADHIKARI VISITS HOSPITAL

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal reached Calcutta Medical College following reports of the stampede-like situation at the pandal.

Several people were feared injured, with those affected being taken to the hospital for medical attention.

The authorities are yet to provide further details about the incident, including the exact number of people injured and the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

GOVERNOR, OPPOSITION EXPRESSES CONCERN

In a Facebook post, West Bengal governor, RN Ravi, said, "Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured."

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and sadness over the incident at the Chor Bagan Puja pandal.

In a message, Banerjee said she was deeply saddened to learn about the stampede. She prayed to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of those injured and wished their families strength and courage during the difficult time.

Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh called the Chorbagan pandal incident unfortunate, saying the immediate priority was to rescue devotees and ensure treatment for the seriously injured.

He urged authorities to deploy more doctors and medical staff at Medical College Hospital.

- Ends