(ANSA) - SRINAGAR, 01 JAN - At least 12 people died and another 13 were injured today in the crush of a religious shrine in Indian Kashmir, according to local authorities.
"The toll could be heavier, because the road to the shrine at the top of the hill was crowded with faithful trying to get there during traditional New Year prayers," an official explained. MataVaishno Devi is one of the busiest Hindu shrines in North India and tens of thousands of people go there every day to pray. Another official in charge of disaster management confirmed the death toll, adding that the stampede took place around 2:45 am local time (10:15 pm yesterday in Italy). "The government has requested an investigation into the incident," the source added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter that he was "extremely saddened by the loss of life",adding that he is in contact with local authorities. He also offered his "condolences to bereaved families" and wished a prison sentence for the wounded. (HANDLE).
