Hundreds of pilgrims were left stranded without transportation, food, or shelter after a stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj caused chaos. Traffic curbs and overcrowded roads compounded the situation,

Moments before a deadly stampede at the world's biggest religious gathering in India, Hindu devotees queuing to take a spiritual bath in a river said they pleaded with police to open barricaded routes to thin out a surging crowd.

At least 17 people were killed and many more injured in a stampede at India's Maha Kumbh festival, the world's largest religious gathering, a doctor at a government hospital said, as tens of thousands of pilgrims rushed to dip in sacred river waters during the Hindu event.

The fire was reported in Sector-22 of the Maha Kumbh district near Chatnag Ghat. The devotees are reported safe and evacuated from the site of the fire.

Shoes, slippers and clothes scattered at the site speak about the chaos that unfolded at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh early Wednesday

A rush erupted at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, India. At least 40 are feared injured. The incident occurred when a group of devotees gathered near the sacred river to celebrate Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days for the holy dip.