At least nine devotees were killed and several others were injured in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district. The incident occurred during Ekadashi celebrations at the temple situated Kasibugga town on Saturday morning, November 1. Rescue team, including ambulance and local police at the spot and rescue operation has been launched.
Disturbing visuals from the temple premises surfaced on social media showed unconscious devotees lying on the ground in the after stampede incident at the temple. The injured were immediately transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office issued an stamen on the incident said that the stampede occurred due to large crowd gathered at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple on Ekadashi. Several devotees sustained injuries and were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
State Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu reached the temple shortly after the incident and met with temple authorities to assess the situation. Additional police forces have been deployed to manage the crowd and assist in relief efforts.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the stampede, calling the loss of lives “extremely heartbreaking.” He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and directed officials to ensure prompt medical care for the injured.
"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," said Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh also extend condolence to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident said, "plunging us into profound shock." He assured that 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 Kinjarapu Atchannaidu from the district, and local MLA Gouthu Sireesha. I have instructed that immediate assistance be provided to the affected individuals," headed.