Srikakulam: At least 10 people are feared dead and several others injured after a stampede at a temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam.
The stampede occurred during a massive gathering of devotees at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga on the occasion of Ekadashi, officials said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a compensation of Rs. 2 lakh each from the PMNRF for the families of those killed.
Rs 50,000 ex gratia has been announced for the injured.
“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 Modi said.
Saturdays typically draw a heavy crowd of devotees to the Kashibugga temple, but the rush was significantly higher this week as November 1 coincided with Ekadashi.
The stampede reportedly began when devotees in the women’s queue started pushing for space. Despite the presence of barricades and railings to manage the flow, the pressure of the crowd caused the structures to collapse. Several people fell, creating panic and triggering the deadly rush.
There were two children among those killed.
“The stampede incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Kashibugga 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,” chief minister Chandrababu Naidu said.
Union Home minister Amit Shah has also expressed grief at the accident.