Stampede at Temple in Bihar

• 13 Aug 2024

Why in News?

Recently, several people died after a stampede occurred at Baba Siddhnath Temple in Makhdumpur, located in the Jehanabad district of Bihar.

Key Points

• The incident was reportedly sparked by a dispute amongkanwariyas and flower vendors near the temple entrance.
• Local authorities are investigating the cause, and financial assistance has been announced for the families of the victims.

Stampede

• About:
  • A stampede is an impulsive mass movement of a crowd that often results in injuries and deaths.
  • It is often triggered by response to a perceived danger, loss of physical space and a collective will to attain something seen as gratifying.
• Types:
  • Two main types of stampedes are Unidirectional stampedes occur when a crowd moving in the same direction encounters a sudden change in force, triggered by forces like sudden stops or negative forces like broken barriers.
  • Turbulent stampedes happen in situations with uncontrolled crowds, induced panic, or crowds merging from multiple directions.
• Fatalities in Stampedes:
  • Stampedes can cause fatalities through:
    • Traumatic Asphyxia: It is the most common cause that occurs due to external compression of the thorax or upper abdomen. Can happen even in moderate crowds of 6-7 people pushing in one direction.
    • Other causes: Myocardial infarction (heart attack), Direct crushing injuries to internal organs, Head injuries and Neck compression.