Kumbamela stampede

Over 20 feared dead in Allahabad station stampede, PM announces ex-gratia 

UTTAR PRADESH, Updated Feb 10,

Allahabad: More than 20 people were feared dead and 30 others injured in a stampede at Allahabad railway station in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. The stampede was caused after railing of an over bridge at the railway station collapsed. Officials, however, are yet to confirm the death toll.

Following the stampede, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced a committee which will probe into the incident. "We will investigate whether guidelines for managing the crowd was followed on the big day of Mauni Amavasya Snaan," said the state government in a statement. It also added that clear directions were given to local authorities that they should ensure that large number of people do not gather at one place. According to the initial reports, over two lakh people were present at the railway station when the stampede took place.

Over three crore people gathered in Allahabad on Sunday to take a holy dip on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya' - considered the most auspicious day during the 12-yearly congregation. "As per our estimates, three crore people have taken a holy dip till 3 pm. The influx of visitors has slowed down a bit since then but the turn-out has already exceeded our expectations," Kumbh Mela Officer Mani Prasad Mishra had said earlier in the day.