Kolkata:The death toll from a stampede at a religious festival in north Kolkata, West Bengal, rose to 19, officials reported on Saturday. The tragic incident occurred at a Durga Puja pandal, a temporary structure set up for the festivities.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the stampede took place in the evening amidst 'heavy crowds of pandal hoppers amid rainfall,' as stated by police. All injured individuals were promptly rescued and taken to hospitals.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed that 25 people sustained injuries. Of those, 24 have recovered from critical conditions, while one person remains in critical condition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident on the social media platform X, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing the injured a swift recovery. He mentioned that the West Bengal Government is extending all possible assistance to the affected families.

Interior Minister Amit Shah also commented on X, stating that the administration is committed to providing all necessary medical facilities to those injured in the stampede.