18 killed in India festival train stampede

A tragic incident occurred at a railway station in India’s capital where a stampede resulted in the loss of at least 18 lives as crowds rushed to catch trains for the Kumbh Mela, a significant religious gathering in Prayagraj. This event, occurring every 12 years, draws millions of Hindu devotees and has a history of crowd-related disasters. The chaos led to people being injured and hospitalized, with reports indicating the majority of casualties were women and children. The situation prompted an official inquiry into the accident’s causes, with efforts underway to manage the aftermath and provide necessary medical care. This unfortunate incident serves as a somber reminder of the challenges posed by large-scale religious events and the importance of ensuring safety measures are in place.