Chaos in Kolkata: Stampede at Chorbagan Puja Pandal Leaves Many Injured
At least 35 injured after a stampede-like situation broke out at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Puja pandal in North Kolkata amid heavy rain.
A festive evening turned into a nightmare in North Kolkata on Saturday when a Chorbagan Puja pandal stampede-like situation occurred, leaving dozens of people injured. The incident took place at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Puja pandal, where a massive surge of visitors led to chaos and panic.
Rain and Rush Trigger the Mishap
According to an official statement from the Kolkata Police, the incident unfolded around 7:40 PM. The police noted that a "heavy rush" of pandal hoppers, combined with falling rain, created a volatile environment. The crush occurred specifically at the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Puja Pandal, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Girish Park Police Station.
The sudden congestion led to a stampede-like scenario as people struggled to navigate the exit during the downpour, resulting in several individuals being trampled or fainting due to the pressure of the crowd.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Horror
The scene on the ground was described as dire. An eyewitness told ANI that the crowd was so overwhelming that people began losing consciousness. In a desperate bid to get medical help, those who fainted were seen being rushed away on motorcycles through the packed streets.
"Many people lost consciousness; some were being taken on motorcycles. I witnessed this happening all around—when people fainted, they were taken away on bikes. All of this took place, and there was a massive crowd as well," the witness recounted.
Emergency Response and Casualties
Authorities acted swiftly to manage the crisis. Reinforcements were immediately dispatched, including teams from the Control Room, the Fire Brigade, the Kolkata Police (KP), the Disaster Management Group (DMG), and multiple ambulances with medical staff.
- Injuries: Preliminary reports indicate that approximately 35 persons were rescued and shifted to MCH (Medical College and Hospital).
- Immediate Action: The Puja Pandal was closed to all visitors immediately following the incident to prevent further casualties.
Political Reaction and Public Help
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her distress over the event via X (formerly Twitter). She stated she was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the incident and prayed to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of the injured and strength for their families.
Helplines for Families
To assist families seeking information about their loved ones, the Lalbazar Control Room has introduced dedicated help lines for the Sarada Park (Chorbagan) incident:
- 18003455678
- 03322141310