Prayagraj: The death toll in the stampede that took place on the Akhara Marg of the Mahakumbh Mela in the early hours of Wednesday has risen to 30. More than 60 people were injured in the incident. The tragedy occurred during a rush to take holy dip at the Sangam Kshetra on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, the most sacred day of the 45-day Kumbh Mela.
The barricades installed for security purposes collapsed and the entrance opened, creating a hostile atmosphere for about an hour.
It became difficult to manage the crowd from 1 to 2 am after midnight. It is said that about 12 crore devotees rushed to take holy dip on Mauni Amavasya and the day before.
Official sources said that about 5.5 crore devotees had taken holy dip till late Tuesday night, and the crowd increased further at night.
Eyewitnesses said that the barricades collapsed when some people tried to climb the barricades and reach the confluence area. A large crowd tried to enter the confluence area. A stampede broke out as people crowded onto those sitting and sleeping on either side of the barricades, waiting for the Brahmi Muhurta, known as Punyakshan.
Security personnel and relief workers were seen carrying several people on stretchers to the parked vehicles.