From Our Correspondent
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Kolkata: Oct 17: At least 20 people died and over 50 others sustained injury when a stampede like situation took place at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday.
According to information, the incident took at around 7 in the evening the Chore Bagan Sarbojanin Puja pandal when a portion of the pandel collapsed forcing the people there to escape the incident.
At least 35 people have been rushed to the MCH hospital. Of these, the condition of 10 devotees is said to be serious.
The casualties could rise as more victims continued to be taken to the hospital. The Kolkata Police and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation were tight-lipped following the incident.
West Bengal Governor RN Ravi reacted to the stampede news and said he “many precious lives” were lost. However, there is no official confirmation on the number of deaths yet.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal visited the hospital and took stock of the situation.
Former Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed shock at the incident and wished the injured speedy recovery.
“Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chore Bagan Puja Pandal. I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time,” she wrote on X.
