Wed Jan 29 07:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Kumbh Mela Stampede: Crushing at Changing Room Gate Cited as Cause
**Prayagraj, India** – A stampede at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, just before the royal bath on Mauni Amavasya, was caused by a changing room gate collapsing under the pressure of the massive crowd, according to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna. The statement, released approximately 10 hours after the incident, is the first official explanation of the cause of the stampede. While the DIG acknowledged the extremely high crowd density—estimated to exceed 10 million—the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed by officials.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), stating the incident was deeply saddening and expressing sympathy for those who lost loved ones. Following the stampede, the Akhara Parishad initially cancelled the royal bath, but after consultations with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the event proceeded with increased security measures.
DIG Krishna explained that the gate of a changing room collapsed onto a section of the crowd, causing panic and the subsequent stampede. The congested conditions on the ghats, exacerbated by people undressing to bathe, contributed to the tragedy. The delay in the royal bath was attributed to the exceptionally large crowd, with the Akharas requesting assurances of crowd management before proceeding. Arrangements are now in place for the ongoing royal bath.
First Piper 