15 killed in India after hotel blaze and Hindu temple stampede
Dubai: At least 15 people were killed in two separate disasters involving Hindu pilgrims in eastern India on Monday, with eight dying in a hotel fire in West Bengal and seven in a crowd crush at a temple in neighbouring Bihar, officials said. The incidents occurred during Shravan, a sacred month in the Hindu calendar devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva, when temples across India draw large…
At least 15 people lost their lives in two separate tragedies involving Hindu pilgrims in eastern India on Monday. In West Bengal, a hotel fire left eight dead, while in neighboring Bihar, a crowd crush at a temple claimed seven lives. Both incidents occurred during Shravan, a sacred month in the Hindu calendar devoted to Lord Shiva, when temples across India attract large crowds of devotees, especially on Mondays.
The disaster in Tarapith, West Bengal, unfolded when a fire broke out on the ground floor while most guests were asleep. Fire crews managed to control the blaze, and 43 people were rescued, with five of the eight fatalities originating from Meghalaya and three from Alipurduar in West Bengal. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, though hotel officials suspect an electrical fault was responsible.
Meanwhile, in Bihar, seven pilgrims were killed and 19 injured when a stampede erupted at the Ashok Dham temple in Lakhisarai district. Panic ensued after rumors spread about an electric pole falling on worshippers inside the temple grounds, causing a rush that overwhelmed crowd-control barricades and led to a chaotic crush. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary described the deaths as "heart-wrenching" and announced compensation of 400,000 rupees ($4,180) for each victim's family.
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