15 Jan 2011

Pilgrims killed in stampede in southern India

10:38 pm on 15 January 2011

At least 100 pilgrims have been killed in a stampede at a religious festival in the southern Indian state of Kerala.

Scores more have been injured in the crush, which was triggered by a road accident, the BBC reports.

The pilgrims were returning from the Hindu shrine of Sabarimala, which is in a remote, mountainous, densely-forested area.

The authorities say the death toll could rise.

The festival runs for two months and attracts millions of visitors every year.