Karnataka: 10 women faint in heat at Siddaramaiah's Diwali event
At a Diwali charity event in Puttur, Karnataka, organized by MLA Ashok Kumar Rai's trust and attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, overcrowding became a big problem.
The stadium, built for 20,000, saw a turnout far exceeding its capacity, with organizers anticipating up to 100,000 people and actual attendance estimated at 40,000-50,000.
Delays in food and gift distribution led to a rush, and at least 10 women fainted from dehydration—three needed hospital care, while seven were treated and sent home the same day.
Need for emergency plans at big public gatherings
Events like this often attract huge crowds, especially when essentials like food and clothing are handed out.
But when planning and crowd control fall short, people's safety is put at risk.
This incident is a reminder that better logistics, water supply, and emergency plans are crucial—especially for women and kids who are most affected when things go wrong.
It's a call for organizers and officials to prioritize safety at all big public gatherings.