Stampede in northern India claims at least 60 lives.

By Timmy Mabs| 2nd July, 2024.

Women mourn next to the body of a relative outside the Sikandrarao hospital in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh state, India, July 2, 2024. At least 60 people are dead and scores are injured after a stampede Tuesday at a religious gathering in Hathras. Photo credit by AP

A stampede during a religious gathering in a village in the Hathras district of northern India has left at least 60 persons dead, according to police and medical officials. 

The incident happened after a sizable throng gathered in the village, which is roughly 200 km southeast of New Delhi, India's capital, and was hurrying to leave a Hindu event known as a satsang, which was organised by local religious leader Bhole Baba. 

District Magistrate Ashish Kumar informed reporters about this to media. Overcrowding was probably a role, according to police. According to reports, among the dead were a number of women and children.

Video and images posted to social media show bodies on the ground. The injured were ferried to local hospitals.

The chief minister of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Mahant Yogi Adityanath, announced on his X account that he has assembled a committee to look into the incident.

On Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sadness over the disaster and vowed to "help the injured in every possible way" during a meeting with the legislature. 

During Indian religious festivals, tremendous crowds congregate in confined spaces with no safety measures, often leading to deadly stampedes.