At least six people died and several others were injured after a stampede broke out at the Ashok Dham temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai on Monday morning.
According to reports, around 50,000 devotees had gathered at the temple to offer prayers and perform jalabhishek to Lord Shiva on the occasion of the third Somwari of Sawan (the third Monday of the Shravan month).
The stampede reportedly broke out on a road connecting the temple with Ashok Dham railway station. Local media reports said an electric pole had fallen onto the road during the night. Rumours that the fallen pole was carrying live electricity allegedly triggered panic among the devotees, leading to chaos and a stampede.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Shivam Kumar said, "At least six devotees died in the stampede at Ashok Dham Temple in Lakhisarai on Monday morning. Police personnel and officials of the district administration have reached the spot, and the rescue work is on."
Lakhisarai DM Shailendra Kumar said the crowd swelled to an unprecedented level in the morning despite all necessary arrangements being in place.
“The barricades broke on one side due to the crowd, causing people to fall on one another,” he added.
More details are awaited.
