The post-mortem reports of the 19 individuals who lost their lives in the stampede at a पश्चिम बंगाल Durga Puja pandal in Chorabagan, Kolkata, have now come to light. After examining these medical reports, doctors have revealed several harrowing aspects of the tragedy. The post-mortem findings make it clear that the majority of the victims died due to asphyxiation brought on by extreme pressure from the massive crowd.
Broken Ribs Pierced Lungs Under Extreme Pressure
In the cases of at least six individuals, the post-mortem examinations revealed that after falling to the ground under the immense pressure of the crowd, they were trampled underfoot. This crushing force broke their rib cages, and the fractured ribs directly penetrated deep into their lungs.
Internal Bleeding and Multiple Severe Injuries
According to official information, some victims also suffered fractures in their arms and legs. Furthermore, traces of intracranial hemorrhage inside their brains and numerous other injury marks were discovered across their bodies. An official stated that in most cases, the initial post-mortem findings pointed to asphyxiation caused by pressure on the chest as the primary suspected cause of death.
Asphyxiation and Damage to Vital Organs
Meanwhile, for seven of the deceased, the post-mortem showed that along with asphyxiation, several sensitive organs of the body were badly damaged. The remaining victims exhibited broken limbs, brain hemorrhages, and countless internal injury marks. Injuries to the abdomen and lungs were also detected among the deceased. However, the detailed and comprehensive post-mortem report is still awaited.
Underlying Causes of Death in the Stampede
During stampedes, children, the elderly, and women frequently fall to the ground due to overwhelming crowd pressure, and rushing crowds trample over them. This leads to deaths caused by suffocation, bone fractures, and severe bodily trauma, which is precisely what occurred during this incident. The increased pressure on the chests of several victims punctured their lungs, resulting in death from asphyxiation and severe injuries.
