Ujjain: Thunderstorm hits Kumbh Mela site - At least 10 people were killed- Navbharat Times Photodhamal

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At least 10 people were killed and over 100 injured on Thursday after thunder, lightning and hailstorm wrecked makeshift tents erected at the Simhastha Kumbh area, triggering a stampede and burying pilgrims under mangled tin sheds and iron poles.

In This Pic : Ujjain: Thunderstorm hits Kumbh Mela site

Pic Courtesy : PTI

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Unofficial sources, however, said over 40 people were killed.

In This Pic : Ujjain: Thunderstorm hits Kumbh Mela site

Pic Courtesy : PTI

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The tragedy hit the twokm stretch of Mangalnath, Sidhwat, Behrugarh and Chintamani in the mela area, where thousands of pilgrims had gathered under the tents for the `parva snan' amidst ongoing Panchkoshi Yatra, a ritual as sacred as the famed Shahi Snan.

In This Pic : Ujjain: Thunderstorm hits Kumbh Mela site

Pic Courtesy : PTI

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Clouds hovered in the sky , just hours after the scorching noon, and soon winds at over 100km an hour coupled with rain and hail swept through the area at 4.30pm, causing panic among pilgrims who huddled inside the camps instead of running out.

In This Pic : Ujjain: Thunderstorm hits Kumbh Mela site

Pic Courtesy : PTI

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As winds picked up pace amid the deluge, uprooted temporary pandals fell like nine pins while iron rods holding aloft the shamiana and tin sheds twisted and crashed upon the pilgrims. The area was flooded and those stuck under the debris were bleeding and trying to wriggle out, eyewitnesses said.

In This Pic : Ujjain: Thunderstorm hits Kumbh Mela site

Pic Courtesy : PTI