Thousands of pilgrims in northern India panicked on Sunday when they thought the narrow bridge they were crossing was collapsing, officials said. The resulting stampede left at least 109 people dead and about 130 more injured.
About 500,000 worshippers, by Indian news media estimates, had flocked to the Ratangarh Temple in northern Madhya Pradesh state for a religious festival. A top state official, Anthony J. C. De Sa, told The Hindu newspaper about 25,000 people were on the bridge over the Sindh River, which is seven metres wide, when a section of railing broke, sparking fears the bridge was about to give way.
Many people are believed to have drowned after jumping into the river; others were injured in the crush above. Relief efforts were delayed by traffic jams, and frustrated bystanders later turned on the police, pelting them with stones. A deadly stampede took place at the same site in 2006.
There were conflicting reports about the start of the crush. Some witnesses said police had initiated it by charging into the crowd swinging canes, but police officials denied the reports. Others said a group of pilgrims had intentionally spread a rumour that the bridge was about to collapse, in the hope of cutting the long line. Others said they had heard the bridge had been hit by a tractor and was unstable.
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Mr De Sa said the bridge was ''in good condition''.
The local government has opened a judicial inquiry.
New York Times
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