Drone footage showed millions of devotees gathering in predawn darkness at Prayagraj for the holy dip. Footage after the stampede showed bodies on stretchers, people crying on the ground, and others walking over discarded belongings left by fleeing crowds.

A Reuters witness saw several dead bodies while following ambulances rushing to the riverbank where the incident occurred. An unnamed official confirmed the casualties.

The initial stampede occurred around 1am local time. Witnesses said devotees trying to escape were caught in another stampede at an exit and then found pontoon bridges closed by authorities when seeking another way out.

Authorities had increased security, medical personnel, and transportation, and used AI software for crowd management.

The Rapid Action Force was deployed for rescue operations. Prime Minister Modi spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath about support measures.

Adityanath urged people to bathe at the nearest river bank instead of the main festival site. “All of you should follow the administration’s instructions and cooperate. People are bathing peacefully at all the ghats of Sangam,” he posted on X.

Hindus believe bathing at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers absolves sins and grants salvation.

The festival has drawn 148 million people since starting two weeks ago. Attendees included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Gautam Adani, Chris Martin, and Dakota Johnson, who arrived Tuesday. Modi was expected next month.

Authorities expected 100 million people Wednesday due to a rare celestial alignment after 144 years. The ‘royal bath’ was canceled after the incident.

A similar stampede happened in India near the Tirupati temple happened, killing six people.

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