At least 27 people, including three children, died in a stampede during a religious event in Hathras region of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday.

Confirming the fatalities, Chief Medical Officer Rajkumar Aggarwal told India Today that so far "we have received 27 bodies."

Speaking about the incident, Etah SSP Rajesh Kumar Singh told the news channel, "A religious event was going on in a village of Hathras district when the stampede occurred. So far 27 dead bodies have been received in the Etah Hospital, including 23 women, 3 children, and 1 man. The injured have not reached the hospital... Further investigation is being carried out. Identification of these 27 bodies is being carried out."

Police believe the incident occurred due to overcrowding.

The religious event was hosted by Manav Mangal Milan Sadbhavna Samagam Committee.

Condoling the incident, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath posted on X: "The loss of life in the unfortunate accident in Hathras district is extremely sad and heartbreaking. My condolences are with the bereaved families."

He said: "I have instructed the concerned officials to conduct relief and rescue operations on a war footing and provide proper treatment to the injured."

He said a team has been formed to probe the incident.