Religious adherents at a gathering in India. Photo credit: NDTV
BY Claire Mom
The police in India say the death toll from the stampede at a religious event in the country has risen to 116.
The stampede happened on Tuesday at Pulrai village, close to Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, as worshippers rushed to leave the event with the religious leader.
Earlier, Umesh Tripathi, chief medical officer (CMO) of Etah, said there were 27 victims — 25 women and two men.
But in an update, NDTV, a local broadcaster, quoted the police as saying that the death toll has surged to 116, including children and women.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced two lakhs (about $132) in compensation for the next of kin of each deceased in the incident.
The prime minister added that the injured would be given 50,000 Indian rupees (about $599).
Modi said the government is engaged in “relief and rescue work” and is coordinating with the state government.
“The victims will be helped in every way,” he added.
Authorities say the death toll is expected to rise.
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