Stories
19 Dead in Chorbagan Overcrowding Disaster: NDMA Guidelines on Preventing Stampedes
- •A tragic overcrowding incident at the Chorbagan Sarbajanin Durga Puja pandal in northern Kolkata resulted in 19 deaths and around 25 injuries.
- •According to the NDMA, most crowd disasters are caused by compressive asphyxia, where excessive pressure on the chest prevents breathing during a crush.
- •Poor temporary structures, narrow entry and exit points, inadequate waiting areas, and panic-inducing announcements often trigger such fatal incidents.
- •Preventive measures include accurately estimating visitor turnout, regulating entry with staggered intervals, establishing separate one-way routes, and monitoring crowd density proactively.
Key Questions Answered
The tragedy occurred on Saturday evening when heavy rain prompted visitors waiting outside the Chorbagan Sarbajanin pandal to push forward. Narrow entry and exit points, overwhelming crowd density, and confusion caused by loudspeaker announcements and people falling led to severe compressive asphyxia, resulting in 19 deaths and numerous injuries.
The West Bengal state government announced an ex-gratia of 2.5 million rupees, a government job for a family member, 500,000 rupees for the injured, and coverage of all medical expenses. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance of 200,000 rupees from the PMNRF for the next of kin of those who died, and 50,000 rupees for the injured.
The NDMA recommends accurately estimating crowd turnouts, determining area carrying capacities, creating distant waiting areas, and establishing separate, one-way entry and exit routes. They also stress monitoring crowd density, avoiding the use of force, ensuring clear communication, and implementing registration or staggered entry systems where possible.
