Andhra Pradesh: At Least 10 Devotees Feared Dead, Several Injured In Stampede At Venkateswara Swamy Temple In Srikakulam

Srikakulam: At least ten people reportedly lost their lives after a stampede broke out at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district on Saturday, November 1. According to reports, several people were also injured stampede.

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The death toll expected to rise as some of the injured people are reportedly in critical condition. Disturbing visuals that surfaced online show devotees lying unconscious on the ground after the incident. Notably, in large numbers devotees visited the temple in Kasibugga town on Saturday on the occasion of Ekadashi.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

"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," the Andhra Pradesh CM said in an X post.

"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," he added.

Nara Lokesh, Naidu's son and Andhra Pradesh minister also expressed grief over the incident.

"The stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple has caused the deaths of several devotees, plunging us into profound shock. A deep sorrow has gripped us on this Ekadashi day. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.," Lokesh said.

“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 Achchennaidu from the district, and local MLA Gauthu Shirish. I have instructed that immediate assistance be provided to the affected individuals,” he added.