18 dead in Patna stampede during Chhath

At least 18 people, mostly devotees, were killed and several others were injured in a stampede during Chhath festival celebrations in Patna Monday evening, police said.

A district administration official said the incident took place when people were returning after offering prayers at sunset at Adalatganj ghat.

"This shocking incident took place after a temporary bridge made of bamboo collapsed due to heavy rush of people, mainly devotees and their family members," a police official said.

All the bodies were brought to the Patna Medical College and Hospital for post mortem and the injured were admitted for treatment.

District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Singh and Superintendent of Police Jayant Kant were camping at the hospital.

Over four lakh people from Patna and nearby areas gathered at different ghats here for Chhath celebration, officials said.