NEW DELHI (AP) — A stampede during a major Hindu festival in eastern India’s West Bengal state has left at least 19 people dead, officials said Sunday.
The stampede in the state capital of Kolkata happened Saturday night when a crowd near a pavilion ran for cover as it began raining during Durga Puja, an annual Hindu festival celebrating the goddess Durga. According to police, some worshippers fell on the road, triggering the stampede.
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People gather outside as police officers set up a barricade at the entrance to a worship venue for the Hindu festival of Durga Puja following a stampede, in Kolkata, India, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo)
Police officers stand guard at the closed entrance to a worship venue for the Hindu festival of Durga Puja following a stampede, in Kolkata, India, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo)
Purses and other belongings left behind by devotees lie on the floor of a worship venue for the Hindu festival of Durga Puja following a stampede, in Kolkata, India, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo)
An injured woman lies inside an ambulance following a stampede at a worship venue for the Hindu festival of Durga Puja, in Kolkata, India, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo)
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who visited Kolkata Medical College and Hospital where victims were taken, said 19 people had died and 25 were receiving treatment. He announced an investigation by a Special Investigation Team to be headed by a judge of the state’s High Court.
Police detained some pavilion organizers, private security personnel and on-duty staff, and launched a probe into any crowd-control and safety lapses.
Around 3,500 Durga Puja pavilions, known locally as pandals, have been set up across Kolkata for the festival. Following the stampede, authorities advised several of Kolkata’s most heavily attended venues to temporarily close to visitors.
Crowd crushes are relatively common in India during religious festivals, as large crowds, sometimes in the millions, gather in confined areas with few safety or crowd control measures. In January of 2025, at least 30 people were killed as tens of thousands of Hindus rushed to bathe in a sacred river during the Maha Kumbh festival, the world’s largest religious gathering.
In 2013, pilgrims attending a Hindu festival at a temple in the central state of Madhya Pradesh panicked amid fears that a bridge would collapse. At least 115 people were crushed to death or drowned in the river below.
People gather outside as police officers set up a barricade at the entrance to a worship venue for the Hindu festival of Durga Puja following a stampede, in Kolkata, India, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo)
Police officers stand guard at the closed entrance to a worship venue for the Hindu festival of Durga Puja following a stampede, in Kolkata, India, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo)
Purses and other belongings left behind by devotees lie on the floor of a worship venue for the Hindu festival of Durga Puja following a stampede, in Kolkata, India, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo)
An injured woman lies inside an ambulance following a stampede at a worship venue for the Hindu festival of Durga Puja, in Kolkata, India, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo)
Dan Quinn is coming off one of the all-time worst coaching blunders. Kyle Shanahan's team is undefeated after beating the defending Super Bowl champions on the road.
The two coaches going in opposite directions meet Monday night when the Washington Commanders (1-3-1) visit the San Francisco 49ers (5-0).
They have history.
Shanahan was Quinn's offensive coordinator in Atlanta when the Falcons blew a 28-3 lead against Tom Brady and the Patriots in Super Bowl 51. Atlanta's time management was poor in that one.
Jayden Daniels had a big day running the ball against the Giants until forgetting to stop the clock with a spike. Brock Purdy is playing at an MVP level for the Niners. Christian McCaffrey is running with fresh legs and Mike Evans has been an excellent addition for San Francisco's depleted receiving corps.
The 49ers are 7 1/2-point favorites. Pro Picks was on the right side with Denver covering a 3-point spread but had the losing side straight up as the Broncos beat Seattle 17-14 Thursday night.
49ERS: 30-20
Line: Jaguars minus 3
C.J. Stroud is playing well, hasn’t thrown an interception and gets Marvin Harrison Jr. to add to his receiving corps. The Texans’ defense got on track after coach DeMeco Ryans took over play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Matt Burke. The Jaguars barely beat the undermanned Eagles last week. They’re 8-7 in London and 2-0 in the second of back-to-back games there. Houston is 13-3 in this series since 2018.
JAGUARS: 23-22
Line: Ravens minus 3
Lamar Jackson is out and the Ravens will again turn to Tyler Huntley, who played well in a win at Atlanta. Deshaun Watson was under duress much of the game last week in a loss to the Jets. The Browns need to get their offense on track. The Ravens are a league-best 21-7 on the road since 2023 and have won three straight in the series.
RAVENS: 22-16
Line: Panthers minus 3 1/2
Bryce Young leads the No. 1 passing offense against a pass defense that’s 26th despite two All-Pro cornerbacks. The Panthers are coming off a bye and are 11-6 ATS as an underdog since the start of the 2025 season. The Eagles are back from an international game and won't have Jalen Hurts because of a blood clot so Tanner McKee starts at quarterback. Teams off a bye facing teams following an overseas game are 4-0. Depleted Philadelphia was missing six offensive starters last week and still should have beat the Jaguars if not for a long kickoff return with 8 seconds left. The Eagles also blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead against the Rams.
PANTHERS: 23-20
Line: Bears minus 3
Caleb Williams is expected to start after missing three straight game for the Bears. Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum both struggled against the Packers after each played well in starts. Michael Penix Jr. is expected to start if he doesn't have any setbacks to his injured rib. He's got Bijan Robinson to lean on. The All-Pro back leads the NFL with 580 yards rushing.
FALCONS: 24-23
Line: Saints minus 1 1/2
The Saints looked like potential contenders after losing to Detroit in overtime and beating the Ravens on the road. But they’re reeling after three straight losses at home. Yet, they’re somehow favorites on the road against a team that’s only lost once. Oddsmakers are disrespecting the Giants. Jameis Winston is 2-0-1 since replacing Jaxson Dart and faces one of his former teams. He’s done a decent job protecting the ball. Cam Skattebo needs to do the same.
UPSET SPECIAL: GIANTS: 20-17
Line: Patriots minus 7 1/2
The Jets are playing tough defense, Geno Smith hasn’t thrown an interception and there’s reason for optimism. The next step would be beating a division rival. The Patriots are banged-up on offense and in the secondary but Drake Maye is back to his 2025 form. New England’s injuries will keep this close.
PATRIOTS: 22-16
Line: Steelers minus 2 1/2
Aaron Rodgers, Jaylen Warren and the Steelers face a tough challenge against Tampa Bay’s seventh-ranked defense. Rodgers has thrown three TD passes in three straight games for the first time since his fourth MVP season in 2021. Undrafted rookie QB Jalon Daniels has impressed in Baker Mayfield’s absence. The Buccaneers were 0-13 ATS before beating Dallas on the road last Thursday.
STEELERS: 24-18
Line: Colts minus 7
Cam Ward is struggling in Brian Daboll’s offense and the Titans are last in the NFL in scoring 11.6 points. The Colts traded a ton to get two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner last year but he hasn’t fixed a pass defense that’s fifth-worst in the league. Daniel Jones had a turnover-free game last week. Titans are 4-5-1 ATS with Ward.
COLTS: 23-17
Line: Rams minus 12 1/2
The Cardinals are bad at football. The Rams don’t look like the team some people foolishly predicted would go 17-0. Sean McVay is ticked and kicker Harrison Mevis paid the price for missing field goals. With Matthew Stafford leading a prolific passing attack, this one should be easy.
BEST BET: RAMS: 34-13
Line: Bills minus 5 1/2
Josh Allen is the reason the Bills are winning despite a defense that’s third-worst in total yards and fifth-worst in points allowed (28.2). The team is staying on the West Coast after beating the Rams in Los Angeles on Monday night. The Raiders have lost two in a row and Fernando Mendoza saw his first action in a lopsided loss to New England. Kirk Cousins is still QB1 for Las Vegas for now. Both teams are 4-1 ATS this season.
BILLS: 27-24
Line: Chiefs minus 8 1/2
This version of Justin Herbert in Mike McDaniel’s offense isn’t working for the depleted Chargers. The Chiefs are rested after a bye. Kenneth Walker III is on pace to run for nearly 2,300 yards. His presence has elevated the offense led by Patrick Mahomes. Chiefs coach Andy Reid is 22-5 after a regular-season bye.
CHIEFS: 24-17
Line: Packers minus 2 1/2
Micah Parsons won’t get to face his former team again but at least this time it shouldn't end in a tie. The Cowboys are coming off an embarrassing loss at home to previously winless Tampa Bay. Their defense has allowed the second-most yards and 27.2 points per game. Dak Prescott and a potent passing attack has kept Dallas competitive. Jordan Love could have another big game throwing to Christian Watson and Matthew Golden. The Packers need it because their rushing offense is last in the NFL. The depleted defense will get a huge boost whenever Parsons returns.
PACKERS: 28-27
Last week: Straight up: 7-7-1. Against spread: 7-8.
Overall: Straight up: 47-32-1. Against spread: 39-39-2.
Best Bet: Straight up: 3-2. Against spread: 2-3.
Upset Special: Straight up: 2-3. Against spread: 2-3.
See AP’s full NFL coverage here
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn speaks during a press conference after an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Landover, Md., Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, center, looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan speaks to reporters following an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
