Eight women died due to suffocation, while four others were admitted to a hospital during a cultural programme in an overcrowded hall in the district today, police said.

The incident took place during a feast of Levua Patel community at the Gopalnathji haveli in Dhoraji town, they said.

The hall was overcrowded, leading to suffocation, Rajkot district superintendent of police (rural) DN Patel said, adding it was not a case of stampede.

He said five to six women have been admitted to the hospital after they complained of breathing problems.

Patel said investigation to find the exact cause of the mishap was on.