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Many people are feared to have been injured in a crush at a huge Hindu religious festival in northern India.

The incident is believed to have happened at the Kumbh Mela festival when people who were sleeping by the riverbanks in Prayagraj were trampled by others who had taken a dip in the holy waters.

Emergency officials have been seen taking away what appeared to be dead bodies on stretchers.

There has been no confirmation on how many people may have been injured or killed.

One official has said “some people have been injured” – but added that “no-one is serious”.

Officials say up to 100 million people are expected to attend the bathing day at the Kumbh Mela – one of the world’s biggest religious festivals.

 A man climbs over a fence, after a stampede before the second "Shahi Snan" (grand bath), at the "Kumbh Mela" or the Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, previously known as Allahabad, India, January 29, 2025.

Pilgrims could be seen climbing over fences after the crush at the Kumbh Mela [Reuters]

Police personnel carry victims of stampede amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025

Police personnel carry victims of the crush at the Mela ground [AFP]

Ambulance arrive near the site of a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela festival

The BBC counted 20 ambulances coming out of the festival ground [AFP]

Security personnel arrive at the site of stampede amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025.

Security personnel rushed to the site of the crush [AFP]

A devotee weeps as she sits in an ambulance at the site of stampede amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025.

A pilgrim weeps as she sits in an ambulance [AFP]

A pilgrim (C) leaves the hospital after a stampede during the festival

A pilgrim (centre) caught up in the crush leaves the hospital after receiving treatment [AFP]

 A devotee stands at the site of stampede amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025.

A devotee stands at the site of the stampede at the festival ground [AFP]



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