TEHRAN – Iran's acting president, Mohammad Mokhber, has expressed his condolences to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a tragic incident at a ceremony in Uttar Pradesh, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries.

In his message to Prime Minister Modi, Mokhber conveyed his heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the Iranian nation and government. He extended his deepest condolences to the people of India and the families of those who lost their lives, while also wishing a speedy recovery for those injured in the incident.

Indian officials have reported that at least 121 people have died in a stampede during a religious gathering on Tuesday. 

The incident occurred at a satsang, a Hindu religious event, in the Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh state, approximately 200 kilometers southeast of New Delhi. 

Among the victims are many women and children, who are still being identified. Survivors recounted the chaos that ensued as attendees attempted to leave the event in Phulrai village. 

The exact cause of the crush remains unclear, but witnesses described how a narrow exit and a sudden, fierce dust storm led to confusion and panic, causing many people to be trampled.

Footage from the scene showed dozens of bodies laid out on the ground outside a nearby hospital, with more being transported in trucks and ambulances. Heartbroken relatives were seen identifying the bodies, some of which had been carried on seats in local buses.

This incident is one of the deadliest stampedes in India’s history. In 2005, more than 340 people died in a stampede at the Mandhardevi temple in Maharashtra. In 2008, over 250 people were killed in a stampede at the Chamunda Devi temple in Rajasthan, and the same year, more than 160 people died at the Naina Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh.