6 killed in stampede during ticket distribution for special darshan in Andhra’s Tirupati
The Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams, which runs the Sri Venkateswara temple, said that the stampede occurred because of overcrowding.
Join our WhatsApp Community to receive travel deals, free stays, and special offers!
- Join Now -
Join our WhatsApp Community to receive travel deals, free stays, and special offers!
- Join Now -
At least six persons were killed and over 20 injured in a stampede in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati on Wednesday, The Hindu reported.
The incident took place after more than 4,000 persons gathered at a location to collect tickets for a special darshan at the Sri Venkateswara temple, according to India Today.
The injured were taken to the government-run Sri Venkateswara Ramnarain Ruia Hospital for treatment.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, the trust that runs the temple, said that it had arranged special counters at about 90 locations to issue tokens starting Thursday for a special darshan at the temple on the occasion of the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival, The Hindu reported.
The festival is celebrated for 10 days and is attended by lakhs of devotees.
Tokens were also being distributed at the MGM High School at Bairagipatteda, The Indian Express reported. Thousands of devotees started gathering at the counters on Wednesday morning for the tokens. By evening, the crowd reportedly began jostling at the counters.
The stampede was triggered when the gate was opened to let a woman who was feeling unwell go out, said Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Chairman BR Naidu. However, the crowd pushed in all at once, he added.
Naidu later said that a detailed report in the matter would be released soon, reported ANI. Some of those who died were from Tamil Nadu and others from Andhra...
