10 Maha Kumbh devotees killed as their car collides with bus in Prayagraj

As many as 10 Maha Kumbh devotees were killed in a tragic accident as their car collided with a bus in the Meja police station area of Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj late on Friday night, police said on Saturday.

The devotees were reportedly from Chhattisgarh's Korba district.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Vivek Chandra Yadav said devotees from Chhattisgarh were heading to the Maha Kumbh to take a dip when the car they were travelling in collided head-on with a bus on the highway.

“All the 10 people travelling in the car died in the accident, while those in the bus suffered minor injuries,” the DCP said.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to Swaroop Rani Medical Hospital for post-mortem.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident.

In a post on X, the chief minister's office said, “UPCM @myogiadityanath has expressed deep condolences on the loss of lives in a road accident in Prayagraj district. He has expressed condolences to the bereaved families.”

“The injured have been sent to the hospital and the chief minister has directed the district administration to provide them with proper treatment. He has also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured,” it said.

‘No Vehicle’ zone in Kumbh

A 'No Vehicle' zone was also implemented in Maha Kumbh.

According to the release, only vehicles issued by the Mela Police for the devotees will be able to enter the Maha Kumbh Mela area. The other vehicle owners will park their vehicles at the designated parking spots.

Only emergency or medical services like ambulances and food and logistic vehicles would be allowed.

World's largest spiritual gathering

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will end on the occasion of Mahashivratri, February 26.

According to the Uttar Pradesh administration, the Mahakumbh has become the first event in the world to have more than 500 million direct participants.

This number exceeds the population of several major countries, including the United States, Russia, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, making the Mahakumbh the largest spiritual gathering in the world.