Ten people died in a stampede at the Kashibugga Venkateswara Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, on Saturday during Ekadashi. Eight of them were women and two children. More than 25 people are undergoing treatment.
According to locals, the railing broke due to the jostling of the crowd, causing the stampede. Officials fear the death toll may rise. The government has ordered an investigation into the incident.
Several videos of the stampede have emerged, showing a large crowd of people on the temple stairs, including women, children, and many elderly people. The railing collapsed, crushing people under the pressure. Women and children were seen screaming to get out, with some even climbing over people to save their lives.
Videos surface
In the aftermath of the incident, videos showed people pulling women and children out of the crowd. Women were seen lying unconscious at the scene of the stampede. People were seen pulling women from the crowd by their arms and legs.
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Anita said that approximately 1,500 to 2,000 devotees visit the temple every week. Today, Ekadashi being the Ekadashi festival, the number of devotees was much higher. She explained that the temple is located on the first floor and has 20 stairs leading up to it. During this time, a scuffle broke out, causing a stampede.
PM Modi expresses grief
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives due to stampede in Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. Shri Modi also wished speedy recovery for those injured in the mishap.
The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia from PMNRF of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those injured.
The Prime Minister’s Office posted 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.
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: PM @narendramodi”