10 of the worst stampedes in the world in the past

Stampedes are devastating events that have claimed many lives over the years, often during large public gatherings. A recent report from Reuters highlighted the tragedy at the Maha Kumbh Mela in India, where at least seven people were killed and around ten others injured in a stampede as millions gathered for a holy dip.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of how dangerous overcrowded events can be. Sadly, it’s not an isolated case—stampedes have occurred at various festivals, sports events, and other large gatherings around the world. Below, we take a look at ten of the worst stampedes in history, where lives were lost in moments of panic and chaos. Note: This list is compiled from data provided by reputable online media sources.
A Sporting Tragedy: Hillsborough Disaster (1989)

On April 15, 1989, the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, England, witnessed one of the deadliest tragedies in the history of British sports. During the F.A. Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, the crowd grew out of control, and fans were trapped against barriers. The result was a devastating stampede that took 96 lives and injured over 200 others. This disaster revealed critical flaws in crowd management and led to major changes in stadium safety regulations across the UK.
Al-Muaissem Tunnel Tragedy (1990)
In July 1990, during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, a massive stampede occurred in the Al-Muaissem Tunnel, near Mecca. Over 1,400 pilgrims were crushed to death as the crowd grew too dense in the narrow tunnel. This tragedy, which took place during Eid al-Adha, shocked the world and highlighted the dangers of overcrowding during religious rituals.
Jamarat Bridge Disaster (2004)
In 2004, a stampede occurred at the Jamarat Bridge, where pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning of the devil as part of the Hajj. Over 250 people lost their lives in this tragic event, which again highlighted the difficulty of managing huge crowds during religious rituals. The stampede occurred in the midst of a high-stress, intense atmosphere, with many pilgrims trying to complete the ritual as quickly as possible.
Mandhar Devi Temple Pilgrimage (2005)

In January 2005, over 300 people were killed in a stampede during a Hindu pilgrimage to the Mandhar Devi temple in Maharashtra, India. The disaster happened when a fire broke out at roadside stalls, pushing the already crowded pilgrims into narrow paths leading to the temple. The confusion and panic resulted in numerous deaths, and the event raised serious questions about crowd control during religious pilgrimages.
Manila TV Show Stampede (2006)
A tragic stampede occurred on February 4, 2006, during a live taping of a popular television game show in Manila, Philippines. As fans rushed to enter the stadium to catch a glimpse of the show, panic set in, and 71 people were killed in the ensuing chaos. The stampede was a stark reminder of the risks involved in large public events, where safety is often overlooked in the excitement of the moment.
Nainadevi Temple Disaster (2008)
On August 3, 2008, a stampede struck the Nainadevi temple in Himachal Pradesh, India. Due to bad weather and the collapse of a shelter, pilgrims on a narrow path to the temple became panicked and trapped. At least 140 people died in the ensuing chaos. The disaster showed how vulnerable large crowds can be when the necessary safety protocols are ignored or insufficient.
Abidjan Stadium Stampede (2009)
During a World Cup qualifier match between Ivory Coast and Malawi on March 29, 2009, a stampede broke out at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium in Abidjan. The crowd surged before the game, and at least 19 people lost their lives. The incident highlighted how poorly managed crowds at sporting events can lead to deadly consequences.

Phnom Penh Water Festival (2010)
On November 22, 2010, what should have been a joyful celebration in Cambodia turned deadly. The annual Water Festival in Phnom Penh saw more than 375 people lose their lives in a stampede on a bridge over the Tonle Sap River. Overcrowding led to panic, and the bridge became a deadly trap. This tragedy remains one of the worst in Cambodian history, and it exposed the dangers of massive public gatherings without adequate safety measures.
Santa Maria Nightclub Fire and Stampede (2013)
On January 27, 2013, a fire broke out at a nightclub in Santa Maria, Brazil, leading to a deadly stampede. Panic spread as people tried to flee the flames, but the exits were blocked and the crowd became trapped. More than 230 people died, most from smoke inhalation or being crushed in the crowd. The disaster highlighted the need for better safety measures in nightclubs, especially regarding fire exits and crowd control.
Mina Stampede (2015)
Another tragic stampede occurred during the Hajj pilgrimage on September 24, 2015, at the Mina camp near Mecca. During the ritual of the stoning of the devil, more than 2,300 people were killed when the crowd surged uncontrollably. This remains the deadliest stampede in the history of the Hajj pilgrimage. It served as a painful reminder of the urgent need for better crowd management in such large-scale religious events.