’People started falling one by one…’: Eyewitnesses recalls horrific moments as Hathras stampede unfolded

More than a 100 people were killed in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday after a stampede broke out at a satsang. The incident took place at a severely overcrowded venue in Pulrai village of Hathras. Initial reports suggested that over 15,000 people had gathered for the event that had permission to host about 5,000.

“After the ‘satsang’ ended, everyone came out. Outside, the road was built on a height with a drain below. One after the other, people started falling into it. Some people got crushed,” an eyewitness – Shakuntala – told PTI.

"I have spoken with injured victims and eyewitnesses. After the event was over the chief spokesperson (Baba Ji) was leaving and people rushed to seek his blessings. Following this, a few people fell off and other people fell over them. Many started running and a stampede occurred as the path was very narrow. 116 people have died and 22 have been hospitalised. 20 bodies have been unidentified. It is difficult to show bodies and it is difficult for the person also who gets to see the bodies," said BJP MLA Arun Asim who interacted with the victims and eyewitnesses of the Hathras stampede on Wednesday.

“I came here with my family members from Badaun. The wife of my younger brother is missing after the stampede. We got to know that several people were missing. I was making announcements in the mic but it did not help,” added another eyewitness, Suresh.

According to Aligarh Range IG Shalabh Mathur, prima facie it appeared that suffocation had led to discomfort within the closed enclosure of the tent. The gathered individuals had then run out, leading to the stampede. 

“Permission for the event to be held was given by the SDM and it was a private event. A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the matter. The primary focus of the administration is to provide all possible help to the injured and kin of the deceased,” Hathras DM Ashish Kumar told ANI. 

The Uttar Pradesh government has since announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the kin of those killed in the incident. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. PM Modi also spoke with the CM following the stampede and condoled the loss of lives. 

(With inputs from agencies)