A pre-dawn stampede at the world's largest religious gathering killed at least 15 people in India on Wednesday, with many more injured after a surging crowd spilled out of a police cordon and trampled bystanders.

India Today reported that a “barrier collapsed” and this left many “trapped and trampled”.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the “accident that happened in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad”.

“My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones in this. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured...”

But India's opposition leader Rahul Gandhi posted on X: "Mismanagement and the administration's special focus on VIP movement instead of common devotees are responsible for this tragic incident.“

The six-week festival is the single biggest milestone on the Hindu religious calendar, and millions of people were expected to be present today for a sacred day of ritual bathing at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, reported jagonews24.com.

Security personnel and rescue workers were seen carrying many of the injured on stretchers. People’s belongings, including blankets and bags, lay strewn around.

A devotee reacts at the site of a stampede. Picture: Arun SankarAFP

A man searches the crowd with a baby. Picture: IANS

Devotees assist those who were injured in the stamped. Picture: IANS

Police personnel carry a woman who fainted at the site of the stampede. Picture: Niharika Kulkarni/AFP

Security personnel try to control the pilgrims. Picture: Niharika Kulkarni/AFP

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Yolande Du Preez

Picture gallery: A “barrier collapsed” leaving many “trapped and trampled” at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela