Death toll from stampede in India religious event rises to 116

Police in India say the death toll from a stampede at a Hindu religious event in northern India has risen to 116.

The stampede occurred on Tuesday in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Police say 18 people are being treated at hospitals.

Local media outlets reported that about 10,000 people had gathered at an outdoor venue to hear a speech by a religious leader. The report said the accident happened when crowds of people were heading toward the exit.

Similar accidents involving large crowds at religious gatherings have occurred frequently in India. In 2013, more than 100 pilgrims died in a crush on a bridge while heading for a temple in the central state of Madhya Pradesh.