Stampede during Kartik Purnima celebrations in Bihar, 4 dead, 10 injured

ANI photo

Patna: At least four people were killed and several were left injured following a stampede during Kartik puja celebrations in Bihar's Begusarai district on Saturday morning. 

The incident took place at a major bathing spot at the Simaria ghat on the occasion of Kartik Purnima, when thousands of pilgrims gathered for the holy dip. 

#SpotVisuals: 3 dead & 10 injured after stampede at Simaria Ghat in #Bihar's Begusarai. pic.twitter.com/iriqKc4ch4 — ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2017

According to district police officials, the stampede was caused by some rumours. As per another report, heavy gathering at the ghat is also believed to be the cause of the stampede.

Expressing his grief on the incident, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a compensation of Rs. 4 lakh each to those who lost their lives in the stampede.

"We are trying to ascertain the cause behind the stampede," Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Mithilesh Kumar said, adding that the women's identities have not been ascertained yet.

He added that the incident occurred in a narrow lane next to the ghat, nearly 100 km from the state capital.

Meanwhile, authorities have confirmed that three out of four people killed were women and said efforts are on to identify the bodies. 

All the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital where they were given medical treatment.

More details awaited.