A major tragedy struck the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, where a stampede during the early morning hours left at least 5 devotees dead and several others injured.
Thousands of devotees had gathered at the temple for special darshan on the occasion of Ekadashi in the Karthika month. The temple saw a massive rush, and the situation got out of control when a section of the railing reportedly collapsed, leading to chaos and a stampede in the queue lines.
Police and revenue officials reached the spot immediately and launched rescue operations. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Though the initial reports mentioned five deaths, the toll has now may rise to nine, and a few devotees are said to be in critical condition.
The temple is privately managed and does not come under the Endowments Department. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the incident and instructed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured and support for the victims’ families.
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