With inadequate police deployment to manage the surge, the situation remained tense for some time at Pune’s Shivneri Fort. At narrow entry and exit points such as the Hathi Darwaza and Ganesh Darwaza below the Amberkhana, several people moved forward simultaneously, triggering the stampede.
A huge crowd assembled at Shivneri Fort in Pune district for Shivaji Jayanti, resulting in a stampede that injured several people, including women and young children. The incident occurred as attendees arrived to participate in festivities and rituals at the historic site.
Many visitors, including those carrying the ceremonial Shiv Jyot and members of various organisations, have been gathering at the fort since Wednesday night. This heavy turnout led to congested conditions at important access points within the premises.
In a video shot from the top of the fort, a sea of people can be seen carrying Shiv Jyot and saffron flags, moving slowly. Moments later, several people are seen attempting to escape the sluggish, overcrowded line by climbing onto the dilapidated structure of the fort, where others were also present.
In a desperate bid to get out, some people can also be seen climbing up with the help of others who had already taken shelter in the cracks of the fort walls, which were nearly filled.
Authorities noted that the police deployment on-site was not adequate to handle the unexpected crowd surge. The situation escalated at narrow entry and exit points, specifically the Hathi Darwaza and Ganesh Darwaza below the Amberkhana, where groups moved forward at the same time, prompting the stampede.
