At least 60 people died, and dozens more were injured during a stampede at a religious event in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh, India, on July 2, 2024. The district is about 200km (125 miles) southeast of New Delhi. The stampede happened as attendees rushed to leave an event with religious leader Bhole Baba. According to a police officer, overcrowding may have been a factor, as initial reports suggested more than 15,000 people gathered for the event despite permission only being granted for 5,000.
One survivor stated that the stampede happened quickly at the event's conclusion. People were in a rush to leave, with no way out, and attendees fell on each other. Over 150 injured people were admitted to hospitals following the event. Unverified videos on social media showed bodies piled up on the ground outside a local hospital. Government official Ashish Kumar said at least 60 bodies arrived at district mortuaries, but the death toll could rise.
Deadly accidents are common at places of worship in India during major religious festivals due to large crowds gathering in small areas with few safety measures. State Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered an investigation into the incident and instructed officials to conduct relief and rescue operations.