At least seven people were reportedly killed in a stampede at the Venkateswara temple in Kashibugga in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district, a number of media outlets reported on Saturday.
The attack was the result of a huge rush by devotees on Ekadashi.
Videos shared on social media showed massive overcrowding in the temple premises, with hundreds of devotees jostling on the temple steps.
Several bodies were also reportedly spotted lying across the temple premises and efforts are on to identify those who lost their lives.
The police rushed to the spot and the situation is currently under control.
‘Deep grief’ gripped Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu commented on the tragedy as a “shock”.
“The death of the devotees in this tragic incident is extremely heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” the CM wrote on X.
“I have instructed officials to provide prompt and proper treatment to the injured. I have asked local officials and members of the public to visit the site of the incident and oversee rescue measures,” he added.
Nara Lokesh, Naidu’s son and a minister in the Andhra Pradesh government, also expressed his shock.
“Speed at Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple has caused the death of several devotees and has left us in deep shock. We are deeply saddened this Ekadashi. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives,” Lokesh wrote on X.
“Government is providing better medical treatment to those injured in the stampede. Once the information was received, I spoke to the officials, district minister Achchennaidu and local MLA Gauthu Shirish. I directed that immediate assistance be provided to the affected,” the minister added.
State Governor S Abdul Nazeer also expressed anguish over the tragedy.
“Andhra Pradesh Governor Sri S. Abdul Nazeer has expressed anguish and deep grief over the death of nine pilgrims in a stampede that took place at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Kasibugga in Srikakulam district on Saturday due to heavy rush of pilgrims,” the governor’s office wrote in a post on X.
“Governor Sri Abdul Nazeer expressed his sincere condolences to the bereaved family members and directed the district administration to provide better medical care to the injured pilgrims,” the governor added.
