03:40Local people reacted with shock and sadness to the news that at least 121 people had been killed during a stampede at a religious gathering in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. The incident occurred during an event led by Hindu guru Bhole Baba, which saw a turnout of thousands of worshippers.
"This … took place around 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm," said one resident. "Three from the same family in our village had died and one from the neighbouring village. In total, there are four deaths in our neighbourhood."
Footage from Tuesday reveals some of the aftermath, showing scenes at a Hathras hospital with dozens of bodies covered in burial shrouds and patients lying on beds. Emergency services are seen transporting patients, while reporters spoke with police officers.
"There was a traffic jam, I was moving very slowly," said another local. "On the way, I saw a lot of women on the ground. I saw a vehicle carrying water and spraying on them. I thought that a fire had broken out, but later, I saw the bodies of women and children. Only then did I realise the intensity of this tragedy. Some of them were weeping so badly."
Local reports indicated the stampede occurred when thousands rushed from a tent during the event. The circumstances and causes are still under investigation. Organisers had permission for 5,000 attendees, but over 15,000 people were present. Authorities suggested that overcrowding and lack of oxygen inside the tent could have contributed to the disaster.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, stating his "thoughts are with those bereaved" and that the government is "working to assist those affected."
'I saw bodies of women and children' - Locals react to deadly stampede at religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh *DISTRESSING*
Local people reacted with shock and sadness to the news that at least 121 people had been killed during a stampede at a religious gathering in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. The incident occurred during an event led by Hindu guru Bhole Baba, which saw a turnout of thousands of worshippers.
"This … took place around 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm," said one resident. "Three from the same family in our village had died and one from the neighbouring village. In total, there are four deaths in our neighbourhood."
Footage from Tuesday reveals some of the aftermath, showing scenes at a Hathras hospital with dozens of bodies covered in burial shrouds and patients lying on beds. Emergency services are seen transporting patients, while reporters spoke with police officers.
"There was a traffic jam, I was moving very slowly," said another local. "On the way, I saw a lot of women on the ground. I saw a vehicle carrying water and spraying on them. I thought that a fire had broken out, but later, I saw the bodies of women and children. Only then did I realise the intensity of this tragedy. Some of them were weeping so badly."
Local reports indicated the stampede occurred when thousands rushed from a tent during the event. The circumstances and causes are still under investigation. Organisers had permission for 5,000 attendees, but over 15,000 people were present. Authorities suggested that overcrowding and lack of oxygen inside the tent could have contributed to the disaster.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, stating his "thoughts are with those bereaved" and that the government is "working to assist those affected."
Local people reacted with shock and sadness to the news that at least 121 people had been killed during a stampede at a religious gathering in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. The incident occurred during an event led by Hindu guru Bhole Baba, which saw a turnout of thousands of worshippers.
"This … took place around 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm," said one resident. "Three from the same family in our village had died and one from the neighbouring village. In total, there are four deaths in our neighbourhood."
Footage from Tuesday reveals some of the aftermath, showing scenes at a Hathras hospital with dozens of bodies covered in burial shrouds and patients lying on beds. Emergency services are seen transporting patients, while reporters spoke with police officers.
"There was a traffic jam, I was moving very slowly," said another local. "On the way, I saw a lot of women on the ground. I saw a vehicle carrying water and spraying on them. I thought that a fire had broken out, but later, I saw the bodies of women and children. Only then did I realise the intensity of this tragedy. Some of them were weeping so badly."
Local reports indicated the stampede occurred when thousands rushed from a tent during the event. The circumstances and causes are still under investigation. Organisers had permission for 5,000 attendees, but over 15,000 people were present. Authorities suggested that overcrowding and lack of oxygen inside the tent could have contributed to the disaster.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, stating his "thoughts are with those bereaved" and that the government is "working to assist those affected."