Around 30 people, including women and children, were injured when the entrance gate of a jatra venue collapsed in Cuttack’s Salepur.

The incident occurred at Raisunguda in Salepur, about 20km from Cuttack, on Saturday night during a jatra performance. People were crossing the huge iron gate to enter the venue when a sudden rush caused the structure to collapse.

Superintendent of police, Cuttack (Rural), Prateek Singh, rushed to the spot and the injured were shifted to the Salepur hospital.

Following the incident, the jatra show was stopped midway.

Of the 30 people injured, six suffered critical injuries and were admitted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. Those undergoing treatment at Salipur hospital were discharged after receiving first-aid.

The jatra group, Rajarani, had been camping there since Friday.

While the performance went smoothly on the first day and the volunteers managed the crowd well, the situation worsened on Saturday due to a larger turnout,
as Sunday is a day off for most people.

“I came with my son. As the jatra started, people rushed to enter the premises. Suddenly, they closed the gate, but people kept pushing to get inside. The huge gate collapsed, injuring around 30 people, including children,” said Amit Sahu, 45.

Another woman, who sustained injuries, demanded action against the jatra group owner.

“They should have been more careful in managing the crowd. I sustained injuries in my shoulder but was lucky to survive,” said Padmalaya, who had come with her family to see the jatra.

SP Singh said, “Police have registered a case, and the manager of the jatra party has been detained. The police is investigating the incident to determine the circumstances leading to the collapse of the structure.”