In a tragic incident, a stampede at a private event in Hathras has claimed 50-60 lives, Hathras DM Ashish Kumar confirmed. The stampede happened in a village in Hathras district, about 200 km (125 miles) southeast of New Delhi, where authorities said a large crowd had gathered on an area of open ground in response to a call from a local religious leader.

“District administration is investigating the matter. The injured are being taken to the hospital and people are still being recovered. A figure of nearly 50-60 deaths has been reported to me by the doctors,” Hathras DM Ashish Kumar said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognizance of the tragic incident and expressing his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased, the Chief Minister issued immediate directives to the district administration to expedite relief efforts at the site of the incident.

The Chief Minister has instructed officials to promptly transport the injured to hospitals and ensure they receive adequate medical treatment. He has also wished for the swift recovery of those injured.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences over the incident in the parliament session.

“I express my condolences to those who lost their lives in this accident. The administration is engaged in relief and rescue work under the supervision of the state government. Senior officials of the central government are in constant touch with the Uttar Pradesh government. I assure everyone through this House that the victims will be helped in every way,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in the parliament session today.

(Inputs from ANI)