Kolkata: An incident resembling a stampede was reported at the Chourbagan festival venue in North Kolkata, West Bengal, on Saturday. According to available information, a large number of people were injured in this incident and were transferred to the hospital.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses described a heartbreaking scene, stating: "The crowd was so large that many people fainted and quickly exited the area." One of them continued: "Many people fainted, and some were taken to the hospital by motorcycle. This was happening around me, and there was a very large crowd present."
Officials' Response and Assistance
Mamata Banerjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, expressed her sorrow over the incident and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured. In a message on the social media platform X, she said: "I am very saddened and distressed to learn about the stampede incident at the Chourbagan festival venue. I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured and for their families during this difficult time."
Kolkata police stated in a statement that the incident occurred at the exit gate of Sara Park at the Chourbagan festival due to "heavy pressure" from the crowd and rain at 7:40 PM. The statement read: "All injured individuals were rescued and transferred to the hospital. Rescue teams from the control room and medical teams were dispatched to the site. The festival venue is currently closed to visitors due to the existing conditions. So far, we have received information that around 35 people have been transferred to the hospital, and further details are being investigated."
Following this incident, helplines have been established in the Lalbazar control room to assist the victims. Local officials advised people to avoid attending large gatherings to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
