10 killed in stampede at election meeting

Local administrator Aradhana Shukla told AFP that the stampede occurred when people rushed to collect free saris, a traditional Indian dress, which Lalji Tandon, a member of Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's BJP party, was distributing.

"During the distribution it seems a sudden excitement grew among the crowd (and) everyone rushed to get the saris," Shukla said.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

A spokesman for the premier's office said Vajpayee was rushing to Lucknow to visit the injured.

The function was organised by a group called the Citizen's Service Society in Lucknow.

According to officials, about 5,000 people at the event were crammed into a small park, which was fenced in and covered by a tent for the occasion.

"Suddenly there was tremendous pressure from all sides," said witness Shashi Yadav, a 28-year-old woman among those who had come to collect a sari.

"It was very difficult to come out as the the bamboo poles were supporting the tent broke and people were pushing from all sides.