At least 27 people killed in stampede during religious event in India

Three children reported to be among the dead

File. Hindus walk around a bonfire during a ritual as part of the Holi festival celebrations in Ahmedabad, India (Reuters)

At least 27 people have reportedly been killed in a stampede at a religious event in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday.

The stampede ocurred during a satsang, or prayer meeting, in Hathras.

Footage on local television channels from the community health centre showed several bodies being brought in, surrounded by grieving relatives.

“We have received 27 bodies, of which 25 are female and two are male. Some injured have also been taken to hospitals,” Umesh Kumar Tripathi, chief medical officer of Etah in Uttar Pradesh, said.

“We have heard that there was a stampede during a satsang but don’t have too many more details.”

Senior superintendent of police Rajesh Kumar said three children were among the fatalities. The incident occurred in a village within the Sikandra Rao police station limits in Hathras.

“So far, 27 bodies have been sent to the hospital, of which 23 are women and three are children,” he was quoted as saying by NDTV.

“The injured have not yet reached the hospital. Further investigation is being carried out,” Mr Singh told The Indian Express.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Adityanath has taken note of the incident and his government has set up a committee to investigate.