At least 25 pilgrims have been killed and at least 25 others injured during a stampede at a religious festival in one of India’s holiest cities.
The stampede took place on the Rajghat bridge in Varanasi where thousands of people were in a procession to the banks of the Ganges River.
The tragedy occurred Saturday afternoon as the number of people was estimated to be much higher than the 3,000 allowed by local authorities.
Chandauli District Magistrate Kumar Prashant said the death toll will likely rise with many of the injured in a critical condition.
It was reported at least 20 of the deaths were women.
"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
Modi’s constituency includes Varanasi.
The PM immediately authorised ex-gratia payments for the families of those who died or seriously injured.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said an official inquiry into the incident will take place and several police officials in charge of crowd control have been suspended pending the investigation.
