17 Killed, Many Injured After Stampede At Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal: news

Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Stampede: 17 Dead and Dozens Injured at Chorbagan

At least 17 people have died and dozens more sustained severe injuries following a massive stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata.

The incident took place during peak evening celebrations when sudden, heavy rainfall and lightning prompted thousands of devotees to seek cover simultaneously. As visitors already inside the pandal hesitated to step out into the downpour, large crowds gathered outside rushed forward to enter the covered structure. The resulting crush created severe bottlenecks at the entry and exit points, triggering widespread panic, suffocation, and a crowd collapse.

Emergency response teams, including personnel from the Disaster Management Group and the Kolkata Police, were dispatched to the venue to initiate evacuations and crowd control measures. More than 40 injured individuals, many suffering from acute breathing difficulties and trauma, were transferred to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital alongside neighboring medical facilities for urgent treatment. Hospital authorities placed all available medical staff on emergency duty as several victims remain in critical condition.

Inquiries into the venue’s crowd management protocols, barricading, and emergency exit capacities are currently underway.