19 Dead as Durga Puja Pandal Collapses in Kolkata; Eyewitnesses Describe Horrific Scene
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By • Published 18 Oct 2026• Updated 18 Oct 2026
In Kolkata, West Bengal, the collapse of a section of a Durga Puja pandal resulted in the deaths of 19 people and injuries to many others. The incident occurred in Chorbagan, where thousands of devotees had gathered. As the pandal collapsed, a stampede ensued, with several people seen falling down.
Sequence of Events
According to a local eyewitness, panic spread immediately after the pandal section fell. “People were lying in front of me,” he said, describing how the crowd continued to pass over the fallen structure, causing many to be crushed one over another. Another witness stated that five people fell right before him, and the atmosphere was filled with fear and confusion.
Questions Raised Over Safety and Emergency Arrangements
Following the incident, several witnesses highlighted the lack of safety arrangements. They reported that no adequate measures were taken to control the crowd after the pandal collapsed. One witness noted that a police vehicle was parked near the site, but no assistance was provided to the injured.
Local residents also questioned the absence of ambulances. They said that such a large religious event lacked emergency medical facilities, which delayed immediate treatment for many injured individuals.
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Victim Assistance and Administrative Response
The injured were taken to hospitals with help from locals and police. The state Chief Minister visited hospitals to oversee the treatment of the wounded. The Chorbagan Sarbojanin Puja Mandap was immediately closed. The state government has issued a helpline number, 18003455678, to assist the families of the victims.
National-Level Reactions
The President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep condolences over the tragic incident. The Prime Minister stated, “The stampede in Kolkata is extremely tragic. My sympathies are with those who have lost their loved ones.”
Key Points
- A section of the Durga Puja pandal collapsed in Kolkata’s Chorbagan area.
- 19 people died and many were injured in the incident.
- Eyewitnesses reported a stampede immediately after the collapse, with people crushed under one another.
- A police vehicle was present but did not assist the injured.
- Locals raised concerns over the absence of ambulances.
- The state government issued helpline number 18003455678.
- The Prime Minister, President, and Home Minister expressed condolences.
Following a full investigation, there are growing demands to strengthen safety standards and ensure emergency arrangements at large religious events.
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