Many of the victims were Hindu pilgrims who were traveling to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj in northern India, officials said.

Rail passengers in New Delhi, India, caused a stampede that killed at least 15 Saturday night while trying to board a train heading to the world's largest religious gathering.

Crowds had swelled because trains carrying Hindu pilgrims to the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious festival, had been delayed, according to local media.