20 feared dead in stampede at Ganga ghat in Patna during Chhath

PATNA: Nearly 20 people are feared dead and several injured in a stampede at Patna's famous Adalatganj ghat on Ganga during Chhath ceremonies on Monday. The tragedy happened when a bridge made of bamboo collapsed tripping electrical wires when devotees were returning after offering first 'araghya' to the setting sun, leading to the stampede.

Most of the victims are reported to be women and children.

Police have confirmed 14 deaths till 8pm. City SP Jayantkant was quoted saying nine children were among the dead. The number of people injured was stated to be over 50 and have been rushed to nearby Patna Medical college Hospital and other private nursing homes. However, today being a general holiday in the city, there is an acute shortage of doctors and paramedical staff.

Chhath — a Hindu festival dedicated to the sun god — is the most popular festival of Bihar. During the festival hundreds of thousands of people go to river banks to offer prayer to setting sun on the first day and rising sun next morning.

Top officials who rushed to the spot avoided to comment. People were visibly angry at the tragedy spot and the situation was very tense at the hospitals where the injured are undergoing treatment.