100 pilgrims killed in India stampede

The state’s deputy general said that 102 people had been killed. Kerala’s chief minister has called for an emergency meeting of the state government as the Indian Prime Minister pledged up to 100,000 rupees (£1,386) compensation to each of the families of those killed.

“It is an unfortunate incident. The Prime Minister has called us and assured that all measures will be taken. My government will decide on a suitable compensation amount," V.S Achuthanandan, Kerala Chief Minister, said.

Hundreds of thousands had gathered at the hilltop shrine of Sabarimala yesterday evening to mark the last day of an annual two-month religious festival.

A bus carrying pilgrims collided with a jeep and went out of control, crushing people walking nearby. Panicked pilgrims rushed forward, triggering a stampede.

Rescue operations are said to be extremely difficult as the incident occurred in a dense forest where the roads are very narrow.