14 killed in stampede at China mosque

, Jan 6: At least 14 people, including six children, were trampled to death and 10 others injured in a

during a gathering at a mosque in northwest

, state media reported today.

The stampede occurred yesterday afternoon at Beida mosque in Xiji Town in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region when food was being distributed to attendees at an event to commemorate a late religious figure, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The injured were hospitalised immediately, with four in critical condition, the report said, citing the local government officials. Photos circulating online show at least six children were killed in the stampede, South China Morning Post reported.

Pictures showed a large crowd, mostly men, standing in the premises of the green mosque. Clothes and shoes were scattered on the ground, besides what appeared to be a collapsed section of a scaffolding.

The pictures also showed stocks of bread supposed to be distributed to the people during the religious event. An investigation is underway.

Ningxia is home to the Chinese-speaking Hui minority, mostly Muslim but distinct from the Uighurs of Xinjiang. The semi-desert region's six million Hui constitute nearly 36 per cent of its population, with Xiji one of its major population centres, according to government statistics.

PTI