9 Devotees Feared Dead, Several Injured in Stampede at Andhra Temple

Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 1:  At least nine devotees were feared dead and several others injured in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga town of Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district on Saturday. Rescue operations are ongoing, and officials warned that the death toll could rise.

Disturbing visuals from the temple showed several devotees lying motionless on the ground following the chaos. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the stampede occurred when a large crowd gathered for Ekadashi celebrations, leading to overcrowding and panic. Police teams and emergency personnel swiftly reached the site to restore order and assist the injured.

State Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu visited the temple to assess the situation, while additional police forces were deployed to manage the crowd and support relief efforts.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep grief over the tragedy, calling it “extremely heartbreaking.” He extended condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.

“The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely heartbreaking. I have instructed officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those injured,” Naidu said, adding that local authorities and public representatives have been asked to oversee ongoing relief operations. (Agencies)