Most deaths in stampede outside Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin's residence due to suffocation: Mumbai Police

Reacting to the stampede that broke out near the Malabar Hill residence of Dawoodi Bohra community leader late Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, which claimed 18 lives, Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh said most of the deaths were due to suffocation.

“The weather was hot there and a lot of people were coming to pay their tribute. The lane there is very narrow and so there was suffocation in that area. It was very difficult for the people to breathe. Some got unconscious and they fell on each other. And suddenly there was a stampede there,” said Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh.

Singh added that death of most of the people was due to suffocation and termed the incident as ‘unfortunate’.

Singh said 18 people have died and 59 people were injured in the incident.

He also appealed to the people to not to gather in huge numbers and should pay their tribute from a safe distance.

The stampede took place near the Malabar Hill residence of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, who died on Friday, as people had gathered to pay homage to the spiritual leader.

The bodies of those died in the stampede were taken to Saifee Hospital. Injured people have been taken for treatment.

Dawoodi Bohra community head Dr. Burhanuddin had died on Friday of cardiac arrest. Imminent personalities, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, had paid their condolences on his death.