January 6th – On January 3rd local time, a stampede occurred at the scene of a music program in Kalimpong District, West Bengal, India, killing two women and injuring four others.
The crash was triggered by the massive crowds of people pouring into Mela Square,” said Kalimpun Sheriff Harri Krishna Pai.
Six people were injured in the stampede, two of whom died of serious injuries, one was transferred to the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, and the others were being treated in Kalingong.”
Volunteers said that the accident occurred between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. After the stampede, the organizers did not cancel the event, and the performance lasted until 9:30 p.m.
The police said that the families of the casualties had been contacted to provide them with all possible help.
The two dead were confirmed to be Anita Shihtri, 40, and Banita Gulong, 46, both residents of the Chandralok region.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista wrote to Mamata Bannaji, Chief Minister of West Bengal, requesting an investigation into the incident.
“To my knowledge, the government has approved a music program, but has not taken sufficient precautions to ensure people’s safety and effective social distancing,” the BJP MP said in the letter.
