Tragedy strikes Ujjain’s Kumbh Mela, several feared dead

Ujjain’s Kumbh Mela saw a mass casualty on Thursday evening as a pandal crashed down due to heavy rains and strong winds in the area. Several camps and tents were also destroyed as the strong winds blew across the site and part of a sudden storm hit the region ravaging many of the temporary structures built during the month-long mela.

About 7 people have been killed in the incident and nearly 40 have been injured. The panic caused by the collapsing pandal and the storm resulted into a stampede, which thereafter increased the casualties.

Four devotees and one Sadhu reportedly died due to the Pandal collapsing, and a woman died after being struck by thunder lightning. At the time of filing this report, officials feared more casualties, as the rubble of collapsed tents was yet to be cleared.

An official has said that the injured were moved to the district hospital immediately and that some are in a serious condition.

– by Anushka Jain with inputs from PTI

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