At least 12 feared dead in a stampede at India’s Kumbh Mela festival.

 

Revised Summary

Eyewitnesses and hospital sources have reported to the BBC that at least 12 people have died in a stampede at a massive religious festival in northern India.

The exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed by officials.

BBC correspondent Samira Hussain describes scenes of "absolute chaos" at the riverbank, with clothing, shoes, blankets, and backpacks scattered as crowds attempted to flee.

Authorities had anticipated up to 100 million attendees for the Kumbh Mela’s sacred bathing day, one of the world's largest religious gatherings.

Despite organizers suspending the ritual, BBC’s Vikas Pandey reports that "tens of thousands are still attempting to take the holy dip."