Goa, Oct. 18 -- An announcement warning of a possible pandal collapse triggered panic and a deadly stampede at a Durga Puja venue in Kolkata on Saturday evening, killing 19 people.

The incident occurred around 7.30 pm at the Chor Bagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity pandal in north Kolkata. Heavy rain had left the streets slippery as large crowds of devotees moved through a narrow lane.

According to police, the announcement warned that the pandal was in poor condition and could collapse, urging people to leave. Eyewitnesses said people seeking shelter from the rain rushed towards the venue, while those inside hesitated to step out. As more people pushed through the entrance and exit, several slipped and fell over one another.

West Bengal ...