The toll in the stampede at Patna's Gandhi Maidan rose to 33 on Saturday morning after a child succumbed to his injuries, officials said. Most victims died from suffocation, as post-mortem examinations identified asphyxia as the main cause of the deaths.
RJD president Lalu Prasad said the stampede appears to be a result of administrative "lapse".
"Gandhi Maidan stampede appears to be a matter of administrative lapse. Stern action shall be taken against officials found guilty," he wrote on micro-blogging website Twitter.
Until late on Friday, 32 people were reported to be killed and 50 others injured in the stampede near the Gandhi Maidan during the Dussehra celebrations on Friday evening.
Around 25 women and five children were among those killed, according to TV reports.
Several others have been injured and were rushed to the Patna Medical College Hospital.
The stampede happened on a narrow road outside the Gandhi Maidan, when people were leaving the area soon after the effigy of Ravana was burnt.
Stampede during Dusshera celebrations in Patna,more than 15 injured pic.twitter.com/ooyTfmvpr2
— ANI (@ANI_news) October 3, 2014
According to NDTV, eyewitnesses claim the stampede started after some people spread a rumour that an electrical wire cut loose and fell on the ground. The report also suggests that not all gates at the Maidan were open when the massive numbers of people were leaving the area.
The Dussehra celebrations at the Gandhi Maidan, organised by the state government, is the biggest in the city, and locals arrive in big numbers for the event every year.
Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi was also understood to be present at the Maidan during the celebrations.
"People have dispersed from the spot now. A few dozen people could be injured. Senior officials are at the hospital including the Health Secretary and treatment is being ensured," the report quoted Bihar Home Secretary Amir Subhani as saying.
Patna Stampede: Injured brought to Hospital pic.twitter.com/S0IBSyw167 — ANI (@ANI_news) October 3, 2014
The principal secretary to the Bihar CM has ordered a probe into the incident, according to The Times of India.
