URGENT UPDATE: A devastating crowd surge at the Swamy Venkateswara Temple in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh has resulted in at least nine fatalities and dozens of injuries. The incident unfolded earlier today as hundreds of devotees gathered to observe Ekadashi, a sacred day in Hinduism dedicated to fasting and prayers for Lord Vishnu.
According to senior police officer KV Maheswra Reddy, preliminary investigations indicate that an iron grille designed to manage the queue of worshippers collapsed, triggering the uncontrolled surge. “Initially, we had reports of seven deaths, but unfortunately, two more individuals succumbed to their injuries,” stated local government official Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar. Among the deceased, eight are women and one is a child, highlighting the tragic human cost of this incident.
At least 16 devotees are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, while an additional 20 individuals are in shock and under observation at a different facility. Disturbing footage from local media captures the chaotic aftermath, with individuals rushing to assist those who collapsed and struggled to breathe amidst the crowd.
In response to this catastrophic event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh’s chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu have expressed their condolences to the grieving families. Modi called the tragedy “heart-wrenching,” emphasizing the need for safety during religious gatherings.
Crowd surges at religious events often occur in India, where large congregations can overwhelm local infrastructure and security measures. Just this past July, a similar incident at another temple in northern India left at least six people dead and many injured, raising urgent concerns over crowd control at such significant gatherings.
As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding today’s tragedy, officials urge for immediate reforms to enhance safety measures at temples and pilgrimage sites across the country. The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Stay tuned for continuing coverage as this story develops.
