A tragic stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kashibugga village of Srikakulam district has claimed at least nine lives and left many more injured, officials said Saturday.
The incident occurred during the early hours as a large crowd of devotees gathered at the temple on the occasion of Ekadashi in the Kartika month. The surge of devotees reportedly led to overcrowding, triggering panic and a sudden crush.
Authorities say the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, and the state government has initiated emergency relief measures.
The chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and directed officials to provide urgent medical care and oversee relief operations.
Witnesses reported that women and elderly worshippers were among the victims.
The exact cause of the surge is still under investigation; early reports point to sudden overcrowding and inadequate crowd control at a popular religious event.
Large gatherings at temples during festival days often pose significant risks when crowd management, entry/exit control, and security measures are insufficient. This incident highlights the urgent need for better planning and safety protocols at religious venues—especially when tens of thousands gather in a short span of time.
Authorities will conduct a full investigation to determine the exact chain of events and accountability.
review of safety and crowd-management protocols at major temples in the state is likely to follow.
Hospital officials continue to treat the injured and monitor the condition of those in critical care.
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