Hathras Stampede: Asphyxia Due to Compression Major Cause of Death, Hospital Overwhelmed

Asphyxia due to compression was the primary cause of death among Hathras stampede victims, with 27 bodies brought to the Etah district hospital. The hospital's autopsies surged fourfold. Most victims were women, and many bodies remain unidentified. Officials and staff worked extended hours to manage the situation.

Asphyxia due to compression was identified as the principal cause of death among victims in the tragic Hathras stampede, health officials reported on Tuesday. The Etah district hospital, overwhelmed with 27 bodies, performed four times the usual number of autopsies.

A significant portion of the fatalities were women, particularly in the 40-50 age group. According to Dr. Ram Mohan Tiwari, Etah's Additional Chief Medical Officer, the mortuary staff worked relentlessly, conducting post-mortems into midnight, with six bodies still awaiting identification.

The fatal stampede, which claimed 121 lives, occurred after a 'satsang' in Phulrai village, where devotees slipped in the slush while chasing the preacher's car. The incident stands as the deadliest in recent years.