Odisha: Two die after ‘unprecedented rush’ during Puri Rath Yatra

Two persons died after an “unprecedented rush” at the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri on Thursday, reported The Indian Express.

The state government denied that the rush led to a stampede, according to ANI.

Seven devotees had become unwell during the festival and were taken to hospital, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s advisor Prakash Mishra told the news agency.

A 60-year-old man later died. The exact cause of his death was being acertained.

Another man, aged 35, suffered a cardiac arrest and died despite immediate medical intervention, ANI quoted the chief minister’s office as saying.

State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said that “there has been no stampede during the Rath Yatra”.

Inspector General of Police for Fire and Emergency Services Umashankar Dash had earlier told ANI that about 100 persons “who were getting suffocated and pressed inside the crowd, and were feeling uncomfortable” had been rescued.

Videos shared by the Odisha Police on social media showed an ambulance making its way through large crowds.

A devotee who appeared to have fainted was promptly attended to and taken for medical treatment amid the large gathering at the Rath Jatra 2026.

Extensive security and crowd management arrangements are in place to ensure the safety of devotees and the smooth conduct of the… pic.twitter.com/i4TYL0ha2F— Odisha Police (@odisha_police) July 16, 2026

Majhi expressed condolences to the families of the...

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