In pictures: Kumbh Mela crowd crush
Many people are feared to have been injured in a crush at a huge Hindu religious festival in northern India.
The incident is believed to have happened at the Kumbh Mela festival when people who were sleeping by the riverbanks in Prayagraj were trampled by others who had taken a dip in the holy waters.
Emergency officials have been seen taking away what appeared to be dead bodies on stretchers.
There has been no confirmation on how many people may have been injured or killed.
One official has said “some people have been injured” – but added that “no-one is serious”.
Officials say up to 100 million people are expected to attend the bathing day at the Kumbh Mela – one of the world’s biggest religious festivals.
Pilgrims could be seen climbing over fences after the crush at the Kumbh Mela [Reuters]
Police personnel carry victims of the crush at the Mela ground [AFP]
The BBC counted 20 ambulances coming out of the festival ground [AFP]
Security personnel rushed to the site of the crush [AFP]
A pilgrim weeps as she sits in an ambulance [AFP]
A pilgrim (centre) caught up in the crush leaves the hospital after receiving treatment [AFP]
A devotee stands at the site of the stampede at the festival ground [AFP]
Devotees hold hands as they exit the festival ground after the crush [Reuters]
A policeman directs pilgrims at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers [AFP]
