Passengers crowd together at a platform after part of a railing from a bridge collapsed at Allahabad railway station. Credit: Reuters/Stringer
An overcrowded railway station footbridge buckled and a riling collapse, sending some people slipping down the stairs and triggering the stampede, an official told Reuters. "I can confirm that 18 people have died and 13 have been injured," said the official.
Hindu pilgrims bathe in the sacred Ganges to wash away sins at the Kumbh Mela. Sunday was believed to be the most auspicious day of the festival.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed shock at the tragedy and promised financial assistance to the families of the dead.
Bathing at India's Kumbh Mela will see 20 million pilgrims taking a dip at the meeting of the Ganges and Yamuna.
Described as the one of the word's biggest human gatherings, 30 million bathers are expected before the end of Sunday, and 100 million over the 55-day Hindu festival.
A Sadhu or a Hindu holy man gestures before taking a dip during the second "Shahi Snan" (grand bath), during the Kumbh Mela. Credit: REUTERS/Jitendra PrakashDevotees cross the river Ganges after bathing in the waters at Sangam - confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers. Credit: REUTERS/Jitendra A Hindu devotee takes a dip. Credit: REUTERS/Adnan Abidi Sadhus or Hindu holy men wearing marigold garlands line up as they prepare to take a dip during the second "Shahi Snan" (grand bath). Credit: REUTERS/Adnan Abidi A Sadhu or a Hindu holy man rides a horse. Credit: REUTERS/Adnan Abidi
Millions of people have gathered on the banks of the Ganges, India, to celebrate the Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela.
The festival, which takes place every twelve years in the holy city of Allahabad, started at dawn this morning with Hindu holy men entering the sacred waters.
Kumbh Mela begins in the Ganges Credit: ITV News/Matt WilliamsCrowds cover the banks of the Ganges as the Kumbh Mela begins Credit: ITV News/Matt Williams
Crowds wait for first light on the banks of the Ganges
Crowds gather at the waterside waiting for first light Credit: ITV News/ Matt WilliamsThe final bathers are cleared before first light Credit: ITV News/ Matt Williams
Crowds gather on the banks of the Ganges before dawn
Police line the river and take pictures of the crowds Credit: ITV News/ Matt WilliamsAt 5am local time crowds are already heading to the river Credit: ITV News/ Matt Williams
Preparations are underway for the start of the Kumbh Mela festival in India, which begins tomorrow. Tens of millions of Hindus are expected to attend the festival.
Tens of millions expected for Hindu festival in India
Hindu pilgrims in Allahabad, India where three holy rivers converge Credit: ITV News/Matt WilliamsA sandcastle depicting the Hindu goddess Shiva Credit: ITV News/Matt WilliamsA temporary police station in Allahabad Credit: ITV News/Matt WilliamsSadhus - or holymen - attending the Kumbh Mela festival in Allahabad Credit: ITV News/Matt Williams
