Mumbai, Jan 18

At least 18 people were killed in a stampede that broke out early Saturday near the Malabar Hill residence of Dawoodi Bohra spiritual leader Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, who died Friday morning, officials said.

According to police and BMC Disaster Control officials, the stampede took place around 1.30 a.m. as thousands of community mourners converged near Saifee Mahal, where the Syedna’s body was kept for people to pay their last respects.

The cause of the sudden stampede is not clear, but officials said at least 17 bodies were taken to Saifee Hospital and one to Cumballa Hill Hospital.

At least 20 people, who suffered injuries, were treated and allowed to go, while another three have been admitted for treatment, BMC Disaster Control said.

Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community, died following cardiac arrest here Friday, an official said.

He was 102 and his funeral is scheduled later this morning in Bhendi Bazaar, south Mumbai.

src:IANS