Desperate family members of stampede victims plead with police officers to let them enter the emergency department
Kolkata: The emergency department of Calcutta Medical College and Hospital was gripped by chaos and grief as stampede victims started being rushed in around 8 pm. Kankurgachi resident Suman Sonkar, 21, was among those dead. Priya Samaddar, 20, from Madhyamgram was out pandal-hopping with a friend. Her friend called me up at 8.30 and gave me the news.
Because they did not receive medical care on time,” said Shreya, many people died.
Her elder sister, Shreya, said the family received the news at the hospital. When we reached the hospital, doctors told us she was no more. Her father, Shyamal Samaddar, was inconsolable at the hospital after being told of her death. I will never forgive those who are responsible for her death,” he said.
As hospital staffers hurried the injured inside, anxious family members crowded outside and police turned the emergency department and adjoining areas into a fortress. “We don’t know what happened. People are saying total mismanagement at Chorbagan led to the stampede. People were lying around but there were no volunteers, organisers or police to ferry them to the hospital. “She came with her friend. They visited many pandals before going to Chorebagan. I rushed to the hospital, but they are not allowing me to see my daughter. Outside the hospital, police personnel and vehicles lined the area as senior ministers, BJP functionaries and police officials arrived in convoys. Several angry relatives tried to approach the visiting officials but were stopped by the police. The tragedy also brought to a sudden end the festive bustle on College Street, which is usually teeming with revellers on a Saptami evening. People were seen leaving the area as police urged them to disperse as soon as possible. The public-address system, which usually played shehnai and other Puja songs, had fallen silent. Only the wail of ambulance sirens could be heard as the injured were brought to the hospital and families waited for news of those they feared they might never see again.
Victims continued to be brought to the hospital till 10 pm. With access to the emergency department restricted, family members struggled to find out the condition of their relatives. Many were angry at the lack of arrangements and claimed several victims were brought to the hospital in cabs and private cars.