At least 20 killed in stampede in Allahabad

At least 20 people were killed and scores of others injured tonight in a stampede at Allahabad railway station, teeming with thousands of pilgrims returning after a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh here.

According to Divisional Railway Manager Harinder Rao, 20 people died and scores were injured in the mishap. The stampede occurred at 7 pm when platform no 5 and 6 were packed with thousands of passengers.

Eyewitnesses said the stamepede was triggered when the railing leading to the foot overbridge over platform no 6 collapsed, when hundreds of passengers rushed to board a train. Three hours after the mishap, bodies of 20 victims were lying on the platform.
 

They said there was a sudden surge of passengers after an annoucement over the public address system about the arrival of a train. Platform no 6 was sealed by authorities. Eyewitnesses claimed there was a lathi charge by the police, but Rao said the incident happened when passengers were being told to stand in a line to bring the movement of the crowd under control.

The injured have been rushed to various hospitals. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condoled loss of lives in the tragey and instructed ministry of railways to provide all possible assistance.

Singh also directed central government departments to extend all possible help to the Uttar Pradesh government in relief operations.

Earlier in the day, two pilgrims were killed in a stampede at the Maha Kumbh here, as over three crore people converged for a holy dip on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya', considered an auspicious day during the 12-yearly congregation.

The stampede broke out in Sector-12 of the mela area this evening killing a woman hailing from Varanasi and a middle-aged man, who had come from West Bengal, Sector Magistrate Abhay Raj told PTI.

A few other people received minor injuries in the stampede which occurred due to rush of devotees who were returning from the river banks, he said.