Andhra temple stampede: What triggered the chaos at Venkateswara Swamy shrine in Srikakulam

At least nine people lost their lives while several others were injured in a stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy temple at Kasibugga in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district on Saturday morning. 

According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office, the heavy rush of devotees on the occasion of Ekadashi led to overcrowding, resulting in the sudden stampede.

"The incident occurred as a large crowd gathered at the temple on the occasion of Ekadashi. The heavy rush of devotees led to overcrowding, resulting in a sudden stampede," it said.

The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. State Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu has rushed to the accident site and spoken with the temple authorities to gather details about the incident. 

Additional police forces have been deployed to the spot, the CMO said.

Expressing shock over the incident, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said he has instructed the officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those who have been 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," he said.

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha said at least seven of the dead are in the age group of 35-40. She noted that the Kasibugga Venkateswara temple is a private one and not under the Endowments Department, and it is common to see 1,500 to 2,000 devotees turn up here every Saturday.