9 killed in Andhra temple stampede

New Delhi, Nov 1: At least 9 people were killed and several others injured in a stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam district on Saturday morning, media quoting officials reported.

The incident occurred around 11:30 am when a large crowd of devotees surged forward during a special religious event. Most of the victims were women, according to local authorities.

Swift rescue operations were launched, and the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals by volunteers, administrative officials present at the scene. Police and disaster response teams cordoned off the area to manage the crowd and assist in relief efforts. District officials said an inquiry has been ordered into the circumstances leading to the tragedy. The President of India, the Vice President, the Home Minister and several other national and regional leaders have expressed grief over the tragedy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the incident, posting on X: “Pained by the stampede in Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon.” The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each from the PM National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for the injured. Stampedes at religious and sometimes public places gatherings have tragically been frequent in India, often due to overcrowding and poor crowd management.