People, panic, pain: Anatomy of a disaster in Mahakumbh Mela

The situation spiralled out of control when devotees struggled to find an exit after their ritualistic bath.

It was 2 am on Wednesday when the entire 4,000-hectare Mahakumbh Mela area echoed with chants of “Jai Gange” and “Har Har Mahadev” on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. But within half an hour, cries for help replaced the chants.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic and disorder. “People fell, tried to stand up, lost from loved ones in the melee,” said an onlooker. (HT Photo/Deepak Gupta)

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic and disorder. “People fell, tried to stand up, lost from loved ones in the melee,” said an onlooker.

The situation spiralled out of control when devotees struggled to find an exit after their ritualistic bath.