Several more individuals were injured in the incident at Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district, and officials are concerned that the toll could increase.

At least 27 people were tragically crushed to death at a Hindu religious gathering in northern India, with several more injured and concerns that the toll could increase, according to government officials on Tuesday (Jul 2).

"We have received 27 bodies so far... Bodies are still arriving," said Ram Mohan Tiwari, a senior medical officer in Uttar Pradesh state, speaking to AFP.

The incident occurred as crowds had gathered in Hathras, approximately 140km southeast of New Delhi, to celebrate the Hindu deity Shiva.

Umesh Kumar Tripathi, the chief medical officer, informed reporters that among the deceased were 25 women and two men. "Many injured individuals have also been hospitalized," Tripathi added. "The primary cause was a stampede during the religious event."

Tragic accidents like this are unfortunately common at religious sites in India during major festivals. In 2016, for example, at least 112 people lost their lives due to a massive explosion from banned fireworks during a temple celebration marking the Hindu new year in Kerala state.