As 2025 draws to a close, these five incidents stand out for their human cost, lasting impact and the urgent lessons they leave for India’s future preparedness and governance. PIC/ MID-DAY ARCHIVE
What happened: A stampede broke out at the Mahakumbh on the night of January 28–29, leading to chaos at the pilgrimage site
Consequences: At least 30 people were confirmed dead, while over 60 others sustained injuries
Impact: The tragedy exposed serious crowd-management lapses during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, sparking nationwide concern over pilgrim safety
Solution/govt response: A judicial inquiry was ordered under Justice Harsh Kumar. However, as of December 2025, no final report has been made public
What happened: On April 22, terrorists targeted tourists in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
Consequences: Twenty-six civilians were killed, including 25 tourists and one local pony operator. Around 20 people were injured.
Solution/govt response: The incident escalated into a broader India-Pakistan crisis, with skirmishes along the Line of Control and Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps across the border
What happened: A stampede erupted outside Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 during celebrations following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 victory.
Consequences: Eleven people were killed and nearly 50 others suffered injuries.
Impact: The incident highlighted major lapses in crowd control during public celebrations, raising questions about event planning and police preparedness
Solution/govt response: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered a deputy commissioner-level probe. No final report has been released as of December 2025
What happened: London-bound Air India Flight AI171 crashed seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, with 242 people on board
Consequences: Two hundred and forty-one passengers and crew members were killed. The lone survivor, Ramesh, sustained severe injuries
Impact: One of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years, the crash raised global concerns over aviation safety and aircraft systems.
Solution/govt response: Six months after the crash, no final investigation report has been released. Preliminary findings in July indicated fuel switches were flipped to 'CUTOFF' shortly after takeoff, though the full probe remains ongoing.
What happened: A massive fire broke out late at night at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, reportedly triggered by an electric fireworks short-circuit and exacerbated by poor ventilation
Consequences: Twenty-five people, including 20 staff members, died, mostly due to suffocation
Solution/govt response: Four staff members were arrested. The club owners were deported from Thailand and brought to Delhi for investigation
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