At least 19 killed and 25 injured in stampede at religious gathering in eastern India

Indian officials and media said that a stampede broke out at a Hindu religious gathering in eastern India today after sudden heavy rains, killing at least 19 people and injuring 25 others.

Agence France-Presse reported that West Bengal Governor Suvendhu Adhikari told reporters that a stampede occurred outside an exhibition hall during the Hindu festival "Durga Puja" in Kolkata. The dead included a 7-year-old girl and 25 others were injured.

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"Six bodies have been identified so far," Edeshikali said.

A senior police officer at the scene told AFP that after heavy rain began in the evening, a radio announcement on the scene caused a "commotion". "The crowd waiting outside the exhibition hall began to push, pull and rush forward, causing some people to fall to the ground and trigger a stampede."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a brief statement on Facebook to express condolences over the tragedy.

"The stampede in Kolkata is saddening. I send my condolences to the families of the victims and pray for a speedy recovery for the injured," he wrote.

Modi pointed out that "the West Bengal government is doing its best to assist the affected families." (Compiled by: Hong Peiying) 1151018