At least nine people have been killed at a stampede which broke out during a heavy rush of Hindu devotees at Venkateswara Swami Temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirumala, media reports said.
The stampede broke out during a heavy rush of devotees at the temple.
It occurred as a massive number of devotees went to the temple to offer prayers on the auspicious day of Ekadashi.
The horrific videos show hundreds of women trying to climb up the staircase amid the heavy rush.
In some videos, women were seen being rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the tragedy and wrote on X: “Pained by the stampede in Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon.”
He finally said: “An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu wrote on X, “The stampede incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Kashibugga in Srikakulam district has caused a shock. The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely heartbreaking.
“I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. I have instructed the officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those who have been injured. I have requested the local officials and public representatives to visit the site of the incident and oversee the relief measures.”
Naidu’s son and state minister Nara Lokesh said on X, “The stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple has caused the deaths of several devotees, plunging us into profound shock. A deep sorrow has gripped us on this Ekadashi day. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
“The government is providing better medical treatment to those injured in the stampede. As soon as the information was received, I spoke with the officials, Minister Achchennaidu from the district, and local MLA Gauthu Shirish. I have instructed that immediate assistance be provided to the affected individuals.”
