>Another religious event has led to a massive death toll in India. The most recent stampede occurred in northern India at the Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur district. As if often the case, the authorities and organizers allowed too many people to squeeze into a small area and then claimed amazement that a stampede followed — killing at least 30 children.

This stampede seems to have been triggered by the failure of iron railings at the site — prompting a panicked run by the crowd. The death toll has been rising all day and currently stands at 145, click here.

This type of accident has become an almost monthly installment from religious events in India, Saudi Arabia and other countries, click here and here and here and here and here and here.

The authorities expected 50,000 attendees but many more showed up for the event. Obviously, other countries including the United States have huge events without recurring stampedes. It would seem that the difference is the greater accountability and liability of organizers in such countries.

For the full story, click here and here and here.