A deadly stampede at a religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh, India, on Tuesday resulted in at least 87 deaths, local police reported.
The incident took place during a prayer meeting, or satsang, in Mughal Garhi village, Hathras district, about 200 kilometers southeast of New Delhi.
Hathras district police confirmed 60 fatalities. An additional 27 people died after being transported to a hospital in the neighboring Etah district, according to police and health officials.
Manish Chikara, the Hathras district police spokesperson, warned that the death toll might increase as more people are taken to hospitals in both districts.
Reuters footage showed distressed relatives gathering outside a hospital in Etah, with medical staff seen carrying people on stretchers.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament, and assured that the government is actively involved in relief and rescue operations, working in coordination with the state government.
Ashish Kumar, the district magistrate of Hathras, explained that the stampede occurred as attendees were leaving the event, which celebrated the Hindu deity Shiva.
While the police had given permission for the event and officials were present for security and order, the internal arrangements were managed by the organisers.
A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the incident, Kumar stated.
