Kolkata: At least 17 people were feared dead and several others injured in a stampede at a community Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening amid heavy rain and lightning, reported local television channels. Police were yet to confirm the reported fatalities.
The incident took place at the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in the Girish Park police station area around 7.40 pm, when a large number of visitors gathered at the venue.
According to police, as heavy rain began, people waiting outside the pandal rushed forward, causing some visitors to fall on the road and triggering a stampede.
In a statement, Kolkata Police said all the injured had been rescued and shifted to MCH, adding that around 35 people had been taken to the hospital as per information available at the time.
Police reinforcements, fire brigade personnel, Disaster Management Group (DMG) teams and ambulances with medical staff were deployed for rescue and emergency response. The pandal was subsequently closed to visitors.
Hospital and police sources said several people had succumbed to their injuries, while the condition of many others was reported to be critical. However, an official confirmation of the death toll was awaited.
Senior police officials reached the spot as rescue operations continued. Some visitors alleged that inadequate safety arrangements had contributed to the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government launched a toll-free helpline to provide information related to the incident. People can call 18003455678, the state government said.
