Baghpat Tragedy: A Rundown On Past Deadly Stampedes In UP

At least five people have died, and more than 60 others, including Jain disciples and police officers, have been injured after a temporary stage collapsed during the 'Nirvana Laddu Parv' celebration of the first Tirthankara in Jainism, Bhagwan Adinath, in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday.

The collapse led to chaos and panic at the scene, with several devotees reportedly injured as a result.

Rescue operations were underway on Tuesday morning to free those trapped beneath the makeshift stage, and local authorities quickly sprang into action.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took note of the incident and directed the local district authorities to provide immediate relief to the injured. He also expressed his wishes for the swift recovery of those affected by the tragedy.

Uttar Pradesh has had a history of deadly stampedes. Here is a look at past tragic incidents that resulted in the loss of lives:

July 2, 2024
Death toll: 121
Location: Hathras

At least 121 people perished in a stampede during a religious gathering in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday. The tragedy occurred as attendees were leaving a "satsang" led by the spiritual leader "Bhole Baba" in Phulrai village. The incident, marked by suffocation and a crush of bodies, is one of the worst in recent years. The event had been organised by Suraj Pal, also known as "Narayan Sakar Hari" or "Bhole Baba," from Bahadur Nagar village.

March 4, 2010
Death toll: 63
Location: Ram Janki temple, Pratapgarh

A stampede at a Hindu temple in Uttar Pradesh resulted in the tragic loss of at least 63 lives, with over half of the victims being children. The chaos was triggered by a large crowd rushing for free food and clothing.

February 10, 2013
Death toll: 36
Location: Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj (called Allahabad back then)

At least 36 Hindu devotees died in a stampede during the Kumbh Mela, a major event that attracted more than 100 million pilgrims over two months in Uttar Pradesh. Among the deceased were 27 women, including an eight-year-old girl. Azam Khan, the then-cabinet minister in Akhilesh Yadav's state government, resigned as the head of the Kumbh Mela Management Committee, accepting 'moral responsibility' for the incident.