Stampede leaves dozens of people dead in northern Indian province of Uttar Pradesh

The death toll in a stampede in northern Uttar Pradesh state climbed to 116 on Tuesday, said officials.

The fatalities in the accident in Ratibhanpur village in the Hathras district include women and children.

The incident took place at a Hindu prayer meeting, locally known as "Satsang."

Shalabh Mathur, a top police official confirmed the deaths.

Police said an investigation is underway and the dead are being identified.

Yogi Adityanath, the state's chief minister, said the loss of life is "unfortunate."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Adityanath and said the government was "engaged in providing all possible help to all the victims."

"My condolences are with those who have lost their loved ones in this. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured," he wrote on X.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said: "Under the supervision of the state government, the local administration is providing all possible help to all the victims."