10 Die in Stampede at India's Ganges Festival
Indian officials say at least 10 people died in a stampede Sunday as pilgrims
were heading home from a festival that attracted millions of people in the
northern city of Allahabad.
Authorities said the stampede broke out after a bridge at the city's train station collapsed under the weight of pilgrims using the railway. Some eyewitnesses accused police of using batons on the crowd prior to the stampede.
Officials estimate dozens of people were injured in the incident.
More than 30-million people gathered to plunge into the waters at the confluence of India's Ganges and Yamuna rivers. It is the most auspicious day of the Hindu festival, Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years. Devotees believe entering the mighty rivers cleanses them of sin and frees them of the cycle of birth and rebirth.
About 100-million pilgrims are expected to take a dip in the rivers during the 55-day festival that began last month.
The festival is believed to date back 2000 years. The one at Allahabad is believed to be the holiest and attracts the largest crowd.
fuente: La Voz de América, http://www.voanews.com/content/at-least-10-die-in-stampede-at-indias-ganges-festival/1600882.html
Authorities said the stampede broke out after a bridge at the city's train station collapsed under the weight of pilgrims using the railway. Some eyewitnesses accused police of using batons on the crowd prior to the stampede.
Officials estimate dozens of people were injured in the incident.
More than 30-million people gathered to plunge into the waters at the confluence of India's Ganges and Yamuna rivers. It is the most auspicious day of the Hindu festival, Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years. Devotees believe entering the mighty rivers cleanses them of sin and frees them of the cycle of birth and rebirth.
About 100-million pilgrims are expected to take a dip in the rivers during the 55-day festival that began last month.
The festival is believed to date back 2000 years. The one at Allahabad is believed to be the holiest and attracts the largest crowd.
fuente: La Voz de América, http://www.voanews.com/content/at-least-10-die-in-stampede-at-indias-ganges-festival/1600882.html
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