18 people killed in stampede in Mumbai

At least 18 people were killed and 56 others injured in a stampede that broke out early today near the Mumbai residence of the spiritual leader of Dawoodi Bohras Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, who died on Friday.

At least 18 people were killed and 56 others injured in a stampede that broke out early on Saturday near the Mumbai residence of the spiritual leader of Dawoodi Bohras Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, who died on Friday, police said.

According to police and BMC Disaster Control officials, the stampede took place around 1.30am as thousands of mourners converged near Saifi Mahal behind chief minister's bungalow Varsha at Malabar Hill, where the Syedna's body was kept for people to pay their last respects.

Most of the injured people were taken to Saifi Hospital where 17 people, including two children, were declared dead. One person died in Cumballa Hill Hospital.

At least 20 people, who suffered injuries, were treated and allowed to go, while another three have been admitted for treatment, BMC Disaster Control said.

Sadanand Date, joint commissioner of police (law and order) confirmed the death of 18 people in the incident.

"The incident took place at around 1.30am when the gate of the Saifi Mahal was closed for last glimpse, but followers kept coming outside the bungalow. Due to this many felt suffocated and later a stampede broke out," said Krishna Prakash, additional commissioner of police (south region).

Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin died following a cardiac arrest on Friday. He was 102 and his funeral is scheduled later this morning in Bhendi Bazaar in south Mumbai.

(With IANS inputs)