Summary

A stampede at a religious event in northern India killed 116 people and injured 84 others due to overcrowding and heat. Attendees rushed out after a prayer meeting with local Hindu leader Bhole Baba, causing the tragedy in Mughal Garhi village, Hathras district. The event, attended by over 15,000 people despite a capacity for 5,000, prompted condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and an investigation by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Stampedes are sadly common at Indian religious gatherings due to poor safety measures, with notable incidents in 2013, 2011, 2005, and 2008.

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For those who read...

Welcome to this Current2 Deeper Dive! My name is Jake, and today we will be discussing a tragedy that occurred yesterday at a religious event in northern India.
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A religious gathering in northern India ended in tragedy as a stampede killed at least 116 attendees and injured at least 84 more, as of yesterday afternoon. Following a prayer meeting, known as a satsang, with local Hindu leader Bhole Baba, attendees rushed to leave the makeshift tent, causing the stampede. 
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Local officials suggested that the heat and overcrowding at the event also contributed to the panic. Another senior official said people may have sought water due to the high temperatures, causing them to slip in mud and lose their footing. Videos across social media show dozens of bodies, mostly women, being brought to regional hospitals as officials struggle to confirm the official death count.
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The incident took place in a small village, about 125 miles southeast of New Delhi. According to reports, over 15,000 people had gathered for the event, which only had the permission to host up to 5,000.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to those who had lost family members and loved ones, and said he was working with local authorities to ensure those injured got proper medical attention. The village’s Chief Minister has ordered a further investigation into the incident following concerns from residents that proper arrangements had not been made for such a large gathering.

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Deadly stampedes are a tragic pattern at Indian religious festivals due to poor enforcement of public safety measures and the fact that the gatherings are often managed privately. In 2013, a similar tragedy occured when pilgrims visiting a temple rushed off of a bridge they feared would collapse, causing at least 115 people to be trampled or fall into the river. In 2011, about 100 people died in a stampede at another religious festival. Another 250 people died in a similar incident back in 2008. 

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Our deepest condolences go out to those killed in the stampede and their families. If you know anyone who wants to know more on this topic, make sure to send us their way, and thank you for listening to this Current2 Deeper Dive.

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Sources:

A stampede at a religious event in India has killed at least 105 people, many women and children (AP)

Stampede at religious gathering in Northern India kills at least 50 (NYT)

At least 87 people killed at stampede at religious event in India, say local police (CNN)

About 116 people killed at religious event in Hathras district (Reuters)

Stampede at religious gathering in India leaves at least 116 people dead (CBS)