DHAKA: Fourteen people have been killed and 10 injured in a stampede at a mosque in China`s northwest Ningxia region, according to state media.

It happened as traditional food was being handed out at an event to commemorate a religious leader, Xinhua news agency said.

An investigation is underway into the cause of the stampede in Xiji town, 60km (35 miles) west of Guyuan city.

Four of the injured were in critical condition, the reports said.

The incident is said to have occurred at about 13:00 local time (05:00 GMT) on Sunday.

Images from the scene after the stampede showed clothes and shoes scattered on the ground.

The Hui ethnic group - who mostly inhabit the region - are one of a number of Muslim minority groups in China.

Source: BBC
BDST: 1135 HRS, JAN 06 , 2014
RS