India’s Hathras Mourns Stampede Victims with No Women Left in the Family

A tragic incident at a religious event in India's Hathras leaves 121 people dead, mostly women, as families seek justice and come to terms with a future without their loved ones.

Hathras, India

Belongings of people are seen at the site where devotees had gathered for a Hindu religious congregation, following which a stampede occurred, in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh

Vinod Kumar was away from home for work when he got the devastating news that his 70-year-old mother was among the victims of a tragic stampede at a religious event. Rushing home, he frantically searched for his wife and daughter, both of whom were also lost in the chaos.

All three, his mother, wife, and daughter, were tragically confirmed dead, leaving Kumar with his three sons as the only remaining family members.

Kumar's family was part of the unfortunate group of at least 121 individuals who lost their lives in the stampede that occurred as devotees, predominantly women, gathered to listen to a Hindu preacher in Hathras district.

The aftermath of the stampede left over 100 people injured, with personal belongings scattered on the ground where the event took place.

While investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the stampede, reports indicate that chaos ensued as attendees rushed to seek blessings from the preacher, leading to the tragic events that unfolded.

Among the heart-wrenching stories is that of Lal Ram Singh, who lost his wife and seven-month-old daughter in the stampede, realizing that he would never see them alive again.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and desperation, with attendees recounting the horror of being caught in the stampede, resulting in numerous casualties.

The tragic incident has sparked national outrage, prompting calls for accountability and raising concerns about the safety measures in place during such religious gatherings.