Rajkot:
Eight women died due to suffocation while four others were admitted to a hospital during a cultural programme in an overcrowded hall in the district on Sunday, police said.
The incident took place during a feast of Levua Patel community at the Gopalnathji Haveli temple in Dhoraji town, they said.
The hall was overcrowded, leading to suffocation, Rajkot district Superintendent of Police (rural) D N Patel said, adding it was not a case of stampede.
He said five to six women have been admitted to the hospital after they complained of breathing problems.
Patel said investigation to find the exact cause of the mishap was on.
Meanwhile, Rajkot District Collector has ordered an magisterial inquiry into the entire incident.
"We have ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident that took place at Dhoraji," Rajkot collector H S Patel said.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and extended his condolences to the relatives of the deceased, a CMO spokesperson said.