At least 9 people, including a child, have died in a stampede at Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district on Saturday, according to PTI.
According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the incident occurred as a large crowd gathered at the temple on the occasion of Ekadashi. The heavy rush of devotees led to overcrowding, resulting in a sudden stampede.
Visuals from the stampede site showed bodies of devotees strewn across the premises.
Andhra CM N Chandrababu Naidu has expressed his condolences and instructed officials to oversee relief measures. Taking to X, Naidu stated, "The stampede incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Kasibugga 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," he said.
Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan earlier confirmed the casualties in a social media post. Taking to X, he wrote, "It is extremely tragic that 9 devotees lost their lives in a stampede that occurred due to thousands of devotees thronging for darshan of Lord Venkateswara at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Palasa-Kasibugga town, Srikakulam district, on the occasion of Ekadashi. The fact that a child was also among them has deeply shaken us."
TDP MLA Nara Lokesh also expressed condolences. Taking to X, he stated, "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."
State Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu rushed to the accident site immediately. He has spoken with the temple authorities to gather details about the incident. Additional police forces have also been deployed to the spot. The injured were taken to hospital for treatment, according to ANI.
(With Inputs from Agencies)
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
