A tragic stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, claimed at least 10 lives and left many others injured on Saturday. The incident occurred when thousands of devotees gathered at the temple in Kasibugga to offer prayers on the occasion of Ekadashi.
According to officials, chaos erupted after devotees rushed through a narrow passage leading to the main temple area. The sudden surge of people caused many to fall, triggering a deadly stampede.
Panic at the Temple
Disturbing visuals from the scene showed devotees trapped on the iron railings of the narrow passage, desperately trying to escape. Many women carrying puja baskets were heard screaming and calling for help. Emergency teams quickly arrived and transported the injured to nearby hospitals.
VIDEO | Andhra Pradesh: Stampede reported at Venkateswara Temple in Kashibugga in Srikakulam district; several devotees injured, rushed to hospital. More details are awaited.
(Source: Third Party)#AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/dOJxEI4JHC
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Eyewitnesses said that the crowd became uncontrollable as devotees pushed forward to catch a glimpse of the deity. Some reports suggest the lack of proper crowd management may have worsened the situation.
PM Modi, CM Chandrababu Naidu, and Other Leaders Express Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. “I am pained by the stampede and offer condolences to those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon,” read a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
PM Modi also announced financial aid: “An ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each from the PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives, and ₹50,000 to those injured.”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also offered condolences and directed officials to provide immediate medical care to the injured. “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 have instructed officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those who have been injured,” he said in a post on X.
Leaders Condemn Tragedy and Ensure Support
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also shared his condolences, saying, “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the stampede at the Kashibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My condolences to the families of the devotees who lost their lives. Praying that the injured may recover at the earliest.”
Andhra minister Nara Lokesh described the tragedy as “profoundly shocking.” He added, “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.”
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the stampede and assess crowd control measures at the temple.
