At least 27 killed in stampede in India: officials

He said the death toll may rise.

The stampede occurred as attendees rushed to leave the event with religious leader Bhole Baba, local media reported.

Police told the Press Trust of India news agency overcrowding may have been a factor, but they did not specify how many people had gathered.

The stampede took place about 350km southwest of state capital Lucknow.

Deadly stampedes are relatively common during Indian religious festivals, where large crowds gather in small areas with few safety measures.