West Bengal: 6 killed, several hurt in Gangasagar fair stampede
According to reports, the incident took place at around 5 pm. at Kachuberia jetty in the Sagar island.
"Few devotees became unconscious due to suffocation at Kachuberia jetty and were rushed to a temporary health centre nearby, where six of them died due to heart attack," state Sundarbands Development Minister Manturam Pakhira told IBNS.
"All six dead were aged women and three of them were from Uttar Pradesh," the minister added.
Describing the incident, West Bengal Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Subrata Mukherjee told IBNS, "A large number of people were in rush at Kachuberia jetty number 5 when a ferry arrived there and few persons fell senseless due to suffocation."
According to sources, at least seven others were injured or fell sick due to the incident and are being treated in nearby hospitals.
The state government, however, has announced a compensation of 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
Over 15 lakh worshipers joined the Gangasagar fair this year, according to reports.
(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha,Image: Wikimedia Commons)
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