Images: Chhath celebration turns tragic in Patna, 18 die in stampede

Nov 20, 2012   (7 images)

At least 18 people were killed and more than a dozen injured in a stampede during Chhath Puja in Patna. The stampede reportedly occurred when a makeshift bridge on the Ganges collapsed under the weight of devotees rushing to offer prayers to the setting sun as part of the religious ritual. Bihar Chief minister Nitish Kumar has ordered a probe into the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each of those killed.

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Devotees offer prayers to Lord Sun during Chhat Puja at the Ganga river in Patna. PTI

 

Chhath devotees mourn the death of their relatives in Patna on Monday. PTI

 

A man mourns the death of a relative in Patna. PTI

 

A woman mourns the death of a relative near dead bodies of Chhat Puja devotees in Patna Medical College & Hospital. PTI

 

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar performs rituals during Chhath Puja in Patna. PTI

 

People perform Chhath Puja at Juhu beach in Mumbai. PTI

 

Devotees perform rituals during Chhat Puja in Kolkata. PTI