Updated 9:51 p.m. Moscow Time
NEW DELHI, October 3 (RIA Novosti) – At least 32 people were killed and more than 50 injured in a stampede in Patna, the capital of the eastern Indian state of Bihar, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported from the site of the incident.
The tragedy took place during a Hindu religious festival called Dussehra.
Local media reported that the incident occurred at a narrow road outside the landmark Gandhi Maidan as people were returning after watching the celebrations.
Dussehra celebrations at the Gandhi Maidan are the biggest in Patna bringing together at least 50,000 people every year.
According to eyewitness Shiv Kumar Verma, "Two unknown individuals spread rumours about a transmission line falling, making everybody rush forward. The complete confusion resulted in a stampede."
"We hope to save the lives of people. Our team of doctors is treating the injured," District Magistrate of Patna Manish Verma said.
India's Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told RIA Novosti that children have been among the 32 killed in the stampede.
"32 innocent people, including a large number of women and children have died. Lots of people come to take part in Dussehra in Gandhi Maidan every year. Let's pray for peace and patience."
The government of the state of Bihar has ordered an investigation into the incident, while the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has commissioned a detailed report on the incident from the state government .
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Bihar's Chief Minister and expressed his condolences on the loss of life, announcing that compensation will be paid to the next of kin of those killed.
