Traumatic asphyxia caused by severe chest compression is the suspected cause of death for most of the 19 people killed in the October 17 stampede at Kolkata's Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal, preliminary post-mortem findings indicate.

The initial reports also recorded multiple internal injuries, haemorrhaging and organ damage. An official cited by news agency PTI said seven victims suffered asphyxia along with injuries to several organs. In at least six cases, fractured ribs had reportedly pierced the lungs due to intense pressure in the crowded venue.

Other injuries included damage to the lungs, stomach, liver and pancreas, as well as head injuries in some cases.

The findings are provisional. Final post-mortem reports will establish the definitive causes of death.

Autopsies of 18 victims were conducted at Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, while the remaining examination took place at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital. The stampede also left 25 people injured.

Rain, Crowding Under Probe

Eyewitnesses said heavy rain prompted visitors inside the pandal to wait for the weather to improve, while people outside became restless and attempted to enter the already packed structure.

A police officer cited by PTI said the entrance gate and approach road were too narrow to accommodate the sudden influx of visitors.

Investigators are also examining a video of a public announcement in which a speaker reportedly warned that the temporary structure could collapse and urged people to leave.

Seven Arrested

Kolkata Police have arrested seven people in connection with the stampede, including the secretary and vice-president of the Durga Puja organising committee.

The investigation is examining the circumstances leading to the crowd surge, the venue's capacity and whether adequate safety and crowd-control arrangements were in place.