Mumbai: At least 18 people were killed in a stampede that broke out early on Saturday near the Malabar Hill residence of 102-year-old Dawoodi Bohra spiritual leader Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, who died on Friday morning, officials said.
According to police and BMC Disaster Control officials, the stampede took place around 1.30am as thousands of community mourners converged near Saifee Mahal, where the Syedna’s body was kept for people to pay their last respects.
The cause of the sudden stampede is not clear, but officials said at least 17 bodies were taken to Saifee Hospital and one to Cumballa Hill Hospital.
At least 20 people who suffered injuries were treated and allowed to go, while another three have been admitted for treatment, BMC Disaster Control said.
Burhanuddin’s funeral was scheduled on Saturday morning in Bhendi Bazaar, south Mumbai.
