Stampede Near Indian Hindu Temple Kills 109

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2013-10-14

Officials in India say the death toll from a stampede on a bridge leading to a remote Hindu temple in Madhya Pradesh state has risen to 109.

Authorities also say an additional 100 people were injured in Sunday's incident, which was triggered by rumors the bridge was about to collapse.

Some devotees were crushed to death under the feet of fellow worshippers while others drowned after falling or jumping into the Sindh River.

Local media said as many as 500,000 devotees had gathered to celebrate the popular 10-day Navaratra festival at the Ratangarh temple. Many were already inside when the stampede took place.

Witnesses said the situation was made worse by police attempting to control the crowd with batons, prompting many people to panic.

India has a long history of deadly stampedes at religious festivals.

Source: Voice of America

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