Chicago – July 03, 2024
A large crowd had gathered near the city of Hathras for a sermon by a popular preacher but a fierce dust storm sparked panic as people were leaving.
Many were crushed or trampled, falling on top of each other, with some collapsing into a roadside drain in the chaos.
“The attendees were exiting the venue when a dust storm blinded their vision, leading to a melee and the subsequent tragic incident,” said Chaitra V, divisional commissioner of Aligarh city in Uttar Pradesh state, told AFP.
“We … are focusing on providing relief and medical aid for the victims,” she added.
Senior police officer Shalabh Mathur said that it appeared “more people had come than permission was asked for”.
Several hours after the crush, Chaitra said that “the death toll stands at 116”, with at least 18 others injured.
