DHAKA: At least 33 people were killed - mostly women and children - and 28 injured in a stampede in Patna after Dussehra celebrations at the landmark Gandhi Maidan on Friday evening.
29 of them have been identified so far, reports NDTV.
Here are the latest developments:
The incident occurred in a narrow alley outside the sprawling ground as people were returning after watching Dussehra celebrations.
Eyewitnesses say the stampede was triggered by a rumour that an electrical wire had snapped and fallen down. The administration, however, is yet confirm this.
There was inadequate street lighting on the south-east side of the Gandhi Maidan as a result of which several people fell on each other in the darkness as the crowds ran in panic, say eyewitnesses.
"Some are saying the incident took place after some people fell in a drain. Still others are talking about snapping of a live wire and rumour spread by a few in the crowd. The truth will come only after a thorough inquiry into the incident," Bihar Minister Vijay Chaudhary told reporters.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and sought a report from the state government on the incident, say sources.
Chaotic scenes were also witnessed at the Patna Medical College and Hospital where desperate locals, looking for their missing relatives, clashed with security forces. The hospital has been cordoned off.
Dussehra celebrations at the Gandhi Maidan are the biggest in Patna and at least 50,000 people turn up every year to watch the burning of gigantic effigies. The event is held jointly by the district administration and a private organiser. The Chief Minister was also present at the ground for the celebrations. But he left around an hour before the tragedy struck - around 7 pm - said Chaudhary.
Many blamed the district police for keeping most exit gates shut at the sprawling ground, forcing the crowds to leave from the same gate.
e Minister Narendra Modi has sanctioned Rs. 2 lakh each for the next of those killed, and Rs. 50,000 for those critically injured.
The district administration has issued 0612-22219810 and 9431800675 helplines for query regarding the stampede tragedy.
BDST: 0953 HRS, OCT 04, 2014
