Wed Jan 29 17:46:30 UTC 2025: ## Mahakumbh 2025 Stampede Leaves at Least 15 Dead in Prayagraj

**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India** – A stampede at the Triveni Sangam ghat during the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj left at least 15 devotees dead and several others injured early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. ahead of the Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan, a significant religious ritual.

Agence France-Presse, citing sources, reported the death toll. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and stated he is coordinating with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to oversee relief efforts.

This tragedy highlights the recurring danger of crowd crushes at the massive Kumbh Mela gatherings. Historical precedent shows similar incidents, including a stampede in 1954 that claimed over 800 lives, another in Haridwar in 1986 resulting in at least 46 deaths, and a 2003 incident in Nashik that killed over 40 pilgrims. A 2013 stampede at a Prayagraj train station during the Mahakumbh also resulted in approximately 30 fatalities. The sheer volume of devotees attending the Kumbh Mela consistently poses a significant risk of such tragic events.

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