At least 15 people are feared to have lost their lives following a stampede that occurred during the MahaKumbhMela in Prayagraj on Wednesday morning. The mishap took place when a barrier collapsed as tens of thousands of pilgrims crowded the TriveniSangam for the second ShahiSnan on MauniAmava

Authorities have confirmed that many people were injured in the chaos, with witnesses indicating that the number could be between 30 and 40. Numerous families were also reported to have been separated in the stampede

Emergency services, including ambulances, were quickly deployed to the scene, and the injured were transported to a makeshift hospital in Sector 2 of the KumbhMela grounds. Due to the incident, the AkharaParishad announced the cancellation of the AmritSnan for the day

Authorities have urged devotees to leave the area after taking their holy dip in the Sangam to help ease the situation. Despite preparations, including no-vehicular zones and sector-specific restrictions to manage the crowd, the sheer volume of people—estimated at over 10 crore—proved challenging to control

The Mauni Amavasya day, falling during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, is regarded as a time when devout Hindus observe silence, fasting, and ancestral worship, believing the day brings peace and salvation.