Ujjain Simhasth Tragedy took away 7 lives injuring 80. Situation under control.

Ujjain Simhast Kumbh Mishap…

Thunderstorm, Heavy Rain, Pandal Collapse and Stampede at Simhastha Kumbh in Ujjain kill 7, over 80 injured.

Upendra Bharati | HENB | Ujjain | May 5, 2016:: At least seven people were reported dead and over 80 injured when a pandal collapse in Ujjain’s Simhastha Kumbh triggered a massive stampede. The collapse was caused by a storm in the region.

“Seven pilgrims were killed and nearly 80 were injured in thunderstorm at Kumbh Mela site in Ujjain,” the Collector Kavindra Kiyawat said.

“All the injured have been rushed to the District Hospital,” IT and Transport Minister Bhoopendra Singh, also the incharge of Sinhastha Kumbh Mela, told the media.

“A woman died apparently due to electrocution, as snapped power lines fell on her due to the winds. The rains have now stopped and the situation is under control,” he added.

Squall coupled with rain suddenly hit the area, uprooting several ‘akharas’ or camps of sadhus.

As it stands, Simhastha Kumbh is regarded as the world’s biggest religious congregation, which means a huge gathering of humans at any given point in time during the mela.

Ujjain Simhastha is a Hindu religious mela held every 12 years in the Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh. The Simhastha Kumbh is scheduled to be held from April 22-May 21. Ujjain. Over five crore people including seers are expected to visit the holy city.

Hearing the calamity, Rajnath Singh, Central Home Minister contacted MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and tweeted, “Spoke to Madhya Pradesh CM @ChouhanShivraj regarding the Simhasth tragedy. He is confident of putting everything in order before morning”.

MP CM also tweeted, “Electricity has been restored in most part of @Simhasth Mela area & work of re-erecting tents & pandals has started on war footing”.

The Mela authority requested all concerned not to spread any rumour and stay in Mela with patience and confidence.

For emergency call for relief and rescue all are advised to dial 100 or 0734-2525253.

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__Agencies.