9 Killed In Stampede At Venkateswara Temple In Andhra On Ekadashi

Horrific videos from the temple showed massive overcrowding, with hundreds of women holding puja baskets jostling on a staircase of the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Srikakulam.

Hyderabad:

Nine devotees, including eight women and a child, died in a stampede at a newly constructed temple in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam early this morning. At least 17 others were injured in the stampede that erupted during a heavy rush at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga on the occasion of Ekadashi, an auspicious day for Hindus.

Horrific videos from the temple showed massive overcrowding, with hundreds of women holding puja baskets jostling on a staircase in a frantic attempt to save themselves. Several bodies were later seen strewn across the temple premises. In one corner, an injured woman was seen crying profusely.

Many rushed to help the injured, while some tried to pull out others gasping for breath in the crowd. Some women who had collapsed were shifted to ambulances, and medical workers tried to resuscitate them.

The police later rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

The Kasibugga temple, known as the 'Mini Tirupati', is not under the government's endowments department that manages thousands of temples in the state. The temple authorities had not informed the local administration that such a huge rush was expected on Ekadashi, said government sources. Construction work was underway in the area where the stampede occurred. It had just one entry-exit point.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has ordered proper treatment for the injured, while his deputy, Pawan Kalyan, assured that an inquiry will be conducted into the tragedy.

Financial Assistance For Victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was pained by the stampede deaths and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the victims' families. The injured will be given Rs 50,000.

"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," he said.

Governor S Abdul Nazeer also expressed anguish and directed the district administration to provide better care to the injured.

Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and described the deaths as "heartbreaking."

"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," said Naidu.

Naidu has also requested the local officials and public representatives to visit the site and oversee the relief measures.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan was "deeply distressed" over the incident.

"The government has instructed district authorities to carry out immediate relief operations and will extend full support to the affected families. An inquiry will be conducted into this tragic incident, which took place at a temple managed by private authorities," he said in a statement.

Pointing out that major temples across the state witness a heavy rush during the Karthik month of the Hindu calendar, he urged the endowments department officials to ensure proper queue management. "Adequate safety and security arrangements must be made within temple premises. When large crowds are expected, police deployment and medical camps should be organized to ensure devotees' safety," his statement read.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, too, offered condolences and wished speedy recovery to the injured. "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," he said.

Nara Lokesh, a minister in his father Naidu's cabinet who is on his way to Srikakulam, said he was in "profound shock." "A deep sorrow has gripped us on this Ekadashi day. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The government is providing better medical treatment to those injured in the stampede," he said, adding that he has spoken to the concerned officials and instructed that assistance be provided to the affected individuals.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/stampede-at-venkateswara-swamy-temple-in-andhra-pradesh-deaths-feared-9556096

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5792284&forum_id=2#49392263)

and i wish this was 900000 det turds not just 9

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5792284&forum_id=2#49392265)