At least seven people were killed and several others injured after a stampede broke out at the Venkateswara Swami Temple in Kasibugga on Saturday morning, turning a day of worship into tragedy.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred when a large crowd gathered at the temple during morning rituals. Local authorities and rescue teams rushed to the spot to help the devotees and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals.
The stampede took place around 11.30 am, according to in-charge DSP Lakshman Rao under Kasibugga division. Officials said thousands of devotees thronged the Venkateswara Swami Temple to observe Ekadashi, one of Hinduism’s holiest days, marked by fasting and prayers to Lord Vishnu.
Police said the situation got out of control as the crowd swelled beyond its capacity, triggering a stampede near the temple premises. “Several people collapsed as the devotees rushed forward all at once,” the official said.
Officials said the exact cause of the stampede is under investigation, while efforts are being made to identify the victims. Images from the temple complex showed chaos as devotees tried to help those trapped in the crowd.
The state government expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and announced that compensation would be provided to those affected.
Reacting to the incident, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said in a post on X: “The speeding at the Kasibugga Venkateswara temple in Srikakulam district saddens me. It is very sad that devotees died in this unfortunate incident. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims.”
The CM also said that he has directed the officials to ensure better treatment to the injured persons, adding that he has directed the authorities and local leaders to monitor the rescue work at the stampede site.
