A devastating stampede in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in the loss of 121 lives, with post-mortem reports revealing that chest injuries and suffocation were the primary causes of death.
The tragedy occurred when a massive crowd of 2.5 lakh people, far exceeding the sanctioned capacity of 80,000, gathered for a religious event featuring self-proclaimed godman Bhole Baba.
As attendees rushed to collect dust from his car, the situation spiraled out of control, leading to a stampede that left many crushed and injured.
(Photo: Stampede crowd/Twitter)
The post-mortem examinations, conducted by eight doctors at Agra’s SN Medical College, revealed that most victims suffered from chest injuries, internal bleeding, and hemorrhage, with some also sustaining head injuries and shock.
The Chief Medical Officer noted that the deaths were consistent with typical stampede fatalities, where rib cage rupture and hemorrhage are common causes.
The event’s organizer, Bhole Baba, has blamed “anti-social animals” for the tragedy and promised legal action, while also offering condolences to the families of the victims.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial probe, led by a retired High Court judge, vowing that those responsible will be held accountable.
The incident highlights the importance of crowd control and safety measures at large gatherings to prevent such tragic events.
