HYDERABAD, INDIA – A political rally featuring popular actor-turned-politician Siddharth Sharma tragically turned into a stampede on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least 36 people and leaving scores injured in Hyderabad, India. The devastating incident occurred as thousands of supporters attempted to converge near the stage where Mr. Sharma was scheduled to address the crowd, leading to a chaotic crush.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of pandemonium and horror as the sheer volume of attendees overwhelmed security measures. The stampede began shortly after 7 PM local time, reportedly when a section of the crowd surged forward, hoping to get a closer glimpse of Mr. Sharma. Barricades, designed to control the massive crowd, buckled under the immense pressure, trapping many and leading to a cascading effect of people falling over one another.
“It was absolute chaos. People were falling over each other, screaming for help,” recounted Rakesh Reddy, a supporter who narrowly escaped the crush. “There was nowhere to move, and the air just got sucked out of you. I saw so many people on the ground, struggling to breathe.”
Emergency services were quickly deployed to the scene, but the sheer size of the crowd initially hampered rescue operations. Ambulances struggled to navigate through the congested streets surrounding the venue, significantly delaying access to the injured. Local hospitals are currently overwhelmed, treating victims, many of whom sustained critical injuries, including severe crush injuries and suffocation.
Telangana state police commissioner, Mr. Anjani Kumar, addressed reporters late Saturday night, confirming the fatalities and ongoing rescue efforts.
“We are deeply saddened to report that at least 36 individuals have lost their lives in this tragic incident,” Commissioner Kumar stated. “Our immediate priority is to ensure the injured receive immediate medical attention and to manage the situation at the rally ground. A full investigation into the causes of the stampede has been launched, and we will hold accountable anyone found responsible for negligence.”
Actor Siddharth Sharma, who cut short his address upon learning of the developing tragedy, expressed profound grief over the incident.
“My heart is heavy with sorrow for the lives lost and the families devastated by today’s tragedy,” Mr. Sharma said in a statement released to the press. “This was meant to be a moment of hope and unity, but it has turned into a day of immense sadness. I urge everyone to cooperate with authorities and prioritize the safety of all. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones, and I pledge my full support to their families.”
The Chief Minister of Telangana also issued a statement, extending condolences to the bereaved families and announcing compensation for the victims. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the nascent political ambitions of Siddharth Sharma and reignited persistent concerns about safety protocols at large public gatherings in India, a nation where political rallies and religious festivals frequently draw enormous crowds, often posing significant logistical and security challenges.
Authorities continue their probe as the nation grapples with the aftermath of another preventable tragedy.
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