STORY: Three people were killed and six injured in a stampede during a festival in eastern India on Sunday, officials said on Sunday (June 29).

"As you can see, devotees have come in large numbers and more devotees are on their way. It is more than our expectations based on the previous year. The incident, that took place in the morning, is being investigated. All details will be revealed later," said Deputy General of police in Odisha, Yogesh Bahadur Khurania.

Stampedes occur routinely during large Hindu gatherings in the world's most-populous country, as huge crowds gather in tight spaces, often ignoring safety protocols.

In January, at least 39 people were killed in a pre-dawn stampede during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, northern India.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: PURI, ODISHA, INDIA (JUNE 29, 2025) (ANI - No use India)

1. DEVOTEES WALKING NEAR CHARIOTS AT FESTIVAL

2. CHARIOTS ON SITE/ AUDIO OF WATER BEING SPRAYED

3. VOLUNTEERS CLEANING SITE

4. SHOES LEFT BEHIND AT SITE OF STAMPEDE

5. VOLUNTEERS CLEANING SITE

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) PURI DISTRICT MAGISTRATE, SIDDHARTH SHANKAR SWAIN, SAYING:

"Since 4:20 a.m. (1050 GMT) in the morning till 5:40 a.m. (1210 GMT), around 15 devotees were sent to the hospital from this area, of which 12 devotees were discharged after basic treatment, but, unfortunately, three of the said devotees have died, and their post-mortem has started. Only after post-mortem, will we know the reason of their deaths."

7. SECURITY OFFICIALS MANAGING CROWD OF DEVOTEES

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) DEPUTY GENERAL OF POLICE IN ODISHA, YOGESH BAHADUR KHURANIA, SAYING:

"As you can see, devotees have come in large numbers and more devotees are on their way. It is more than our expectations based on the previous year. The incident, that took place in the morning, is being investigated. All details will be revealed later."

9. SECURITY OFFICIALS MANAGING CROWD OF DEVOTEES

10. CROWD OF DEVOTEES NEAR CHARIOTS