Six people were killed after strong winds and thunderstorms caused a huge pandal to collapse at the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Ujjain on Thursday, reported ANI. Nearly 80 other people were injured, according to Ujjain District Collector Kavindra Kiyawat. Many people were feared trapped under collapsed tents at the venue, Hindustan Times reported. Catch News reported that a stampede had caused the deaths, but the authorities denied this.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in a statement posted on Twitter: "Anguished over the loss of lives at the Kumbh due to heavy rains. May Almighty give strength to the bereaved families to overcome the grief. I hope the injured recover quickly. I pray for the safety and well-being of all saints, pilgrims and tourists at the Kumbh."
The month-long Ujjain Kumbh Mela takes place once every 12 years and is attended by five crore devotees.
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