18 killed in stampede at Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata

World

International Desk

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026

Eighteen people were killed and several others injured in a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in northern Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Among the dead are 13 women, three men and one child. The tragic accident occurred on Saturday (October 17) night at the exit gate of the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Puja pandal under Girish Park police station. After the accident, police closed the pandal to visitors.

According to sources from Kolkata Police and eyewitnesses, when heavy rain suddenly began around 8:40 pm, many people standing in line outside tried to enter the pandal all at once. At that time, due to the crowd and pushing, many fell down and were trampled. A source also said that the situation may have worsened because part of the pandal structure collapsed. The injured were rescued and immediately taken to Kolkata Medical College (MCH) Hospital, where at least 35 people are under treatment.

Immediately after the incident, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal visited the hospital to inquire about the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic incident. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed condolences and wished the injured a speedy recovery.