Kolkata. A major accident took place on the evening of Saptami amidst the Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal. A part of the Chorbagan public puja mandap suddenly collapsed, causing panic and a stampede-like situation at the spot. After the accident, keeping in mind the safety of the devotees, the entrance of the puja mandap was closed. According to information received from sources, 17 people have been reported dead in the accident so far, while about 35 people are said to be injured. The injured have been admitted to Kolkata Medical College Hospital. West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari reached the hospital and gave instructions to ensure arrangements for the treatment of the injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the accident. He announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund to the families of the deceased. Those injured will receive financial assistance of ₹50,000 each. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed condolences. Police and Disaster Management teams arrived at the scene upon receiving information about the accident. Relief and rescue operations were initiated, and arrangements were made to transport the injured to the hospital. Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has issued a toll-free helpline number, 18003455678, to assist the affected people and their families. Information related to the accident can be obtained by contacting this number.

Pushing and shoving while trying to escape the rain

According to eyewitnesses, light rain fell in several areas of Kolkata in the evening. Devotees gathered at the puja pandal to escape the rain, pushing and shoving began, leading to a worsening situation. Due to the overcrowding, several people fell, and some were reported to have fainted. An eyewitness reported that a large number of people were present at the scene. Some of those who fainted were being transported to the hospital on motorcycles. Following the accident, chaos descended on the pandal and the surrounding area. The administration attempted to control the situation and provide immediate medical assistance to those affected.

Kunal Ghosh appealed to speed up the rescue work

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh called the incident at the Chorbagan Puja pandal unfortunate. He said that efforts are underway to transport some devotees to the hospital. At present, saving lives is the most important priority, rather than discussing the cause of the incident. He also appealed to the police and administration to increase the number of medical staff in hospitals. According to Ghosh, the police are being assisted in relief and rescue operations, and the situation is being continuously monitored. He said that rescue operations are still needed inside the pandal. This incident, which occurred on such an important occasion as the Puja, has created an atmosphere of concern among devotees and organizers.