{
  "id": 15240572,
  "title": "‘People fainted, taken on bikes’: Eyewitness on Kolkata pandal stampede",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/people-fainted-taken-on-bikes-eyewitness-on-kolkata-pandal-stampede",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-17T16:57:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/people-fainted-taken-on-bikes-rain-panic-and-crowd-surge-trigger-stampede-at-kolkata-puja-pandal/articleshow/135017309.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kolkata experienced a tragic stampede at a community Durga Puja pandal, resulting in at least 35 injuries on Saturday evening. The incident occurred when rain caused people outside the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal to rush forward, leading to a chaotic scene as some fell on the road. Eyewitness ANI reported that many people lost consciousness and were taken away on motorcycles. Governor Ravi expressed sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the injured's speedy recovery. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal visited the injured at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. West Bengal Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee also paid a visit to the hospital. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep shock and sorrow over the stampede, praying for the victims' recovery and their families' strength. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh appealed for increased police presence and medical support, emphasizing the need to understand the cause and details of the incident. Emergency helplines were set up at the Lalbazar Control Room to assist those affected.",
  "summary": "A stampede occurred at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata, injuring at least 35 people. The incident was triggered by a crowd surge after rainfall caused attendees to rush forward. Eyewitnesses reported many individuals fainting and being transported on motorcycles for medical assistance. West Bengal officials, including the Chief Minister, visited injured individuals at Calcutta…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "At least 25 injured in stampede-like situation at Kolkata Durga Puja pandal",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/at-least-25-injured-in-stampede-like-situation-at-kolkata-durga-puja",
        "published": "2026-10-17T16:15:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}