Several feared dead in stampede-like situation at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal

Several feared dead in stampede‑like situation at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal Several people were injured after a section of Kolkata’s Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal collapsed amid heavy crowds on Saptami evening. In the early hours of Friday, the festive atmosphere at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal turned into chaos when a portion of the wooden platform that supported the main shrine gave way. Reports from the scene describe a sudden collapse that caused a wave of panic among the thousands gathered for Saptami, the seventh day of the nine‑day celebration..

The pandal, known for its elaborate design and intricate deities, was already packed with devotees, many of whom had arrived hours earlier to witness the procession and the unveiling of the idol. Eyewitnesses describe a moment of sheer confusion as the platform buckled. “It was like a wave,” said one resident who watched from a distance..

“People started rushing, and then everyone fell together. It felt like a stampede, but it was the collapse that triggered the chaos.” Emergency services were dispatched within minutes, with ambulances arriving to treat the wounded. Initial statements from the police indicate that at least 12 people sustained serious injuries, including several with head trauma and broken limbs..

The police have cordoned off the area and are conducting a preliminary investigation into the cause of the collapse. Chief Constable Subhas Banerjee confirmed that the authorities are reviewing the structural integrity of the pandal, which was erected for the 2024 celebrations. “We are looking at all possible factors – from construction materials to the weight load on the platform,” he said..

He also urged the public to remain calm and to allow emergency workers to operate without interference. The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, which oversaw the construction of the pandal, has stated that the structure complied with all safety regulations before the festival began. However, an independent structural engineer will be brought in to assess the design and construction materials..

Arghya Chatterjee, who has been involved in similar projects, noted that “even minor flaws in support beams can become critical under heavy crowd pressure.” He added that the weight of the deities and the sheer number of devotees can create a load that exceeds normal expectations. Medical teams from several hospitals in Kolkata have been brought in to assist on-site. Joseph’s, reported receiving 30 patients, with 12 requiring hospitalisation..

Among the casualties, there is a 45‑year‑old man who suffered a fractured pelvis and a 32‑year‑old woman with severe head injuries. The emergency department’s trauma unit is on high alert. “We are treating multiple cases of head trauma and fractures,” said Dr..

Meera Patel, the chief trauma surgeon. “Our priority is to stabilise patients and prevent complications.” The event, organised by the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja committee, attracts an estimated 200,000 devotees each year. The committee, led by President R..

Mukherjee, has expressed deep regret over the incident. “We are devastated by the injuries sustained by our devotees,” said Mukherjee in a press briefing. “The safety of our community is our paramount concern, and we are cooperating fully with investigators.” In the aftermath, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) announced a review of all pandals across the city for the upcoming festivals..

“Public safety is our top priority,” said KMC Chairperson Asha Devi. “We will enforce stricter guidelines and ensure that all temporary structures meet the highest safety standards.” The council also plans to deploy additional police officers and crowd control measures in high‑density areas during the remaining days of Durga Puja. The incident has reignited a debate about the safety of temporary religious structures in India..

Several activists have called for the government to mandate professional oversight and to limit crowd sizes in such venues. “We cannot afford to compromise on safety for the sake of tradition,” said Rahul Verma, a senior spokesperson for the Citizens’ Safety Initiative. “Proper planning and professional engineering are essential to prevent such tragedies.” Meanwhile, the local community has responded with solidarity..

Volunteers set up makeshift first‑aid stations, and local businesses have donated food and water to the injured. A group of schoolchildren from the nearby Bose Institute School organized a donation drive, collecting money for medical expenses. “We want to help our neighbours,” said 14‑year‑old Ananya Sinha..

“It feels wrong to see people in pain.” The police have urged people to follow official guidelines for crowd management and to avoid entering overcrowded areas. “We have deployed barricades and set up controlled entry points,” said Police Officer Prakash Nanda. “We ask the public to respect the instructions of authorities and to refrain from pushing or shoving.” The city’s traffic police also announced a temporary rerouting plan for roads surrounding the festival zone to reduce vehicular congestion..

The local media has covered the incident extensively, with live footage showing ambulances moving through the crowd. Some commentators have criticised the lack of adequate safety measures, while others emphasise the need to respect cultural traditions. The BBC’s correspondent in Kolkata, Priya Menon, said that “the festival remains a vital part of the city’s cultural fabric, but safety protocols must be strengthened to protect all participants.” As the festival continues, authorities remain on high alert..

The KMC has set up a dedicated helpline for reporting any safety concerns, and a task force will monitor the remaining days of Durga Puja..