Saturday, January 15, 2011

Stampede During Hindu Pilgrimage In India Kills 104

In India, the government of the state of Kerala took quick rescue and relief action after a stampede near a Hindu temple Friday night killed 104 Makar Sankranti pilgrims and injured more than 60 others.  The Times of India reports that the stampede which took place near the Sabarimala Temple caught authorities off guard since it occurred on a forest route in side the Periyar tiger preserve which is less used by pilgrims. The state government will pay compensation to the injured and the families of those killed. There are conflicting stories as to the cause of the stampede, but they all involve vehicles either losing control or turning over.