Wednesday saw the second Shahi Snan of the Kumbh Mela in Nashik. An estimated 15 to 20 lakh people had taken the dip in the Godavari river since morning when disaster struck.

Explaining how the tragedy occurred, Police Commissioner P T Lohar said that after the Shahi Snan by sadhus and mahants, there was a surge of pilgrims towards Ramkund, where all holy dips take place.