KOLKATA: At least 17 people were killed and several others injured in a stampede triggered by a crowd surge at a community Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata on Saturday evening, police said.The incident occurred when rain prompted people waiting outside the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal to rush forward. Some fell on the road, triggering the chaos, a senior police officer told news agency PTI.Disaster management personnel have been deployed at the site, the officer added.An eyewitness told news agency ANI, “Many people lost consciousness; some were being taken on motorcycles. I witnessed this happening all around—when people fainted, they were taken away on bikes. All of this took place, and there was a massive crowd as well.”Governor Ravi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata and offered condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari and chief secretary Manoj Agarwal visit the hospitalised injured at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.West Bengal health minister Sharadwat Mukherjee visits injured people admitted to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital following a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal.Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said she was deeply shocked about the stampede situation at Chorbagan puja pandal.“Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the stampede at the Chorbagan puja pandal. I pray to Maa Durga for the speedy recovery of all those injured and for strength and courage for their families during this difficult time,” she said.TMC leader Kunal Ghosh told news agency PTI, “At the Chorbagan puja in North Kolkata, there has been a most unfortunate incident. The devotees who were there, some are now being brought to the Medical College. Our clear stand is that why it happened and how it happened will be known later, but first we need to save the people. And those who are seriously injured need treatment. Right now, we have a request to the police administration, and our workers are cooperating. Doctors and related staff at the Medical College should be increased immediately, quickly.”Police, fire brigade personnel, disaster management teams and medical teams were deployed at the site, with ambulances also rushed to the spot. The pandal has been closed to visitors.Police have set up helplines at the Lalbazar Control Room to assist people in connection with the incident. The numbers are 18003455678 and 03322141310.(With agency inputs)
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