Skip to content

In pictures: Kumbh Mela crowd crush

AFP A devotee weeps at the site of stampede amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025. AFP
A devotee weeps at the site of crush at the Kumbh Mela early on Wednesday

At least 12 people are feared to have been killed in a crush at a huge Hindu religious festival in northern India.

The incident 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 bodies on stretchers.

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

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.

Reuters 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.Reuters
Pilgrims could be seen climbing over fences after the crush at the Kumbh Mela
AFP Police personnel carry victims of stampede amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025AFP
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 festivalAFP
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.AFP
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.AFP
A pilgrim weeps as she sits in an ambulance
AFP A pilgrim (C) leaves the hospital after a stampede during the festival AFP
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. AFP
A devotee stands at the site of the stampede at the festival ground
Reuters Devotees hold hands as they leave after a stampede before the second "Shahi Snan" (royal bath) at the "Maha Kumbh Mela" or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, January 29.Reuters
Devotees hold hands as they exit the festival ground after the crush
AFP A policeman makes an announcement to regulate the pilgrims at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers, on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya' during the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025.AFP
A policeman directs pilgrims at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers