Pilgrim stampede during Kumbh Mela, River Ganges, India
Feb. 02, 1954 - Five Hundred Killed when Pilgrims Stampede during the Kumbh Mela in the River Ganges, India. At least 500 pilgrims were killed and 2, 000 injured recently when a vast crowd got out of hand and stampeded at the Kumbh Mela, a religious festival held at the confluence of the Ganges and the Jumna. The ceremony, which is normally held every 12 years was attended by Dr. Prasad the Indian President and Dr. Pandit Nehru the Prime Minister. Police made a Lathi charge when a procession was blocked by the crowds and children, invalids and lepers who were unable to move fast enough were trampled to death. Photo shows Mr. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, waving to the crowds near the Sangam during the festival in the Ganges. The stampede took place soon after this ceremony and 500 were killed
