UPDATED: Oct 17, 2026 22:55 IST
A major tragedy unfolded during Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata after a stampede broke out outside the Chorbagan Sarbojanin pandal, leaving 17 people feared dead and at least 35 others injured. The incident took place when sudden torrential rain prompted a massive gathering of devotees waiting in a narrow lane to rush inside for shelter, quickly overwhelming civic volunteers and committee organisers. The injured were moved to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, where several individuals remain in critical condition. Senior Kolkata Police officials and disaster management authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, scanning CCTV footage and questioning the pandal organisers and crowd control volunteers. Strict crowd management directives have been dispatched to major pandals across the city, as authorities review bandobast arrangements to prevent further casualties across the remaining festive days.
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Durga Puja Stampede in Kolkata: Casualties Reported, Injured Rushed to Medical College
A stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata has resulted in casualties, with several people feared dead and numerous others injured. The Governor issued a statement expressing grief over the loss of precious lives in the incident, though official casualty figures are yet to be confirmed by police, hospital authorities, or the administration. Massive crowds visiting pandals in North Kolkata severely hampered traffic along Central Avenue and nearby areas, making the transit of injured persons challenging. The injured were shifted to the nearby Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, located about two kilometres away, where emergency medical staff were mobilised to treat victims.
Durga Puja Stampede In Kolkata Kills Several, Injures 40 At Chorbagan Pandal
A tragic stampede occurred at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, leaving several dead and around 35 to 40 people injured. Eyewitness accounts indicate that a massive crowd had gathered inside the pandal when sudden rainfall caused people to rush inside for shelter, leading to a partial structure collapse and a subsequent stampede. Authorities evacuated the area, and the pandal was closed to devotees as the injured were admitted to the Medical College and Hospital. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragedy, offering prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and strength to the families. The Governor also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Authorities and police have launched an investigation into the organizational lapses and crowd management failures behind the incident.
Stampede at Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Amid Rain, 35 Hospitalised, Inquiry Underway
A stampede-like situation erupted at the Sarada Park Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata following sudden heavy rain, leading to chaos among visitors seeking shelter. According to official statements from Kolkata Police, the incident occurred around 7:40 PM at the exit gate under the Girish Park police station limits. Around thirty-five people were injured and immediately rescued and shifted to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Civic volunteers and police personnel stationed at the pandal were reportedly outnumbered as thousands of pandal hoppers attempted to enter simultaneously to avoid the downpour. Reinforcements from the control room, fire brigade, Disaster Management Group teams, and ambulances were dispatched to the site, and the pandal was subsequently closed to visitors. Police authorities are examining CCTV footage to establish lapses in crowd management as alerts have been sent to puja committees across West Bengal to implement strict crowd control protocols.
Kolkata Durga Puja Pandal Collapses Amid Rain; Stampede Leaves Scores Feared Dead
A portion of the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Puja pandal in Kolkata collapsed due to heavy rain and crowd pressure, triggering a stampede-like situation during the festive season. At least 40 people sustained injuries and 35 individuals were shifted to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, with several people feared dead. Police and disaster management teams arrived at the site to take control of the situation and shut the pandal for visitors. Authorities have initiated an inquiry into potential security lapses and crowd control measures. Senior government officials reached the hospital to review medical arrangements.