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Tragic Stampede at Tirumala Temple Kills 9 on Ekadashi
In a heartbreaking incident, at least nine devotees were killed and over 20 injured in a deadly stampede at Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, on the auspicious day of Ekadashi. The tragedy occurred early morning as thousands of pilgrims rushed for darshan, leading to a fatal crush near the Vaikuntham Queue Complex.
What Caused the Stampede?
Eyewitnesses reported that panic spread around 4:30 AM due to rumors of collapsing barricades, triggering chaos. The temple, one of India’s busiest, sees massive crowds during Ekadashi, a sacred day for Lord Vishnu devotees. Despite advanced crowd management systems, the sheer volume of pilgrims overwhelmed authorities.
Victims and Emergency Response
Among the nine dead were five women and two elderly men. Over 20 injured were rushed to TTD-run hospitals, with some in critical condition. The Andhra Pradesh government announced ₹10 lakh ex-gratia for victims’ families and free medical care for the injured.
Political and Public Outcry
Andhra CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed grief, while PM Narendra Modi tweeted condolences. Opposition leaders, including TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu, blamed poor crowd control. Temple authorities have ordered a high-level inquiry.
Past Incidents and Safety Concerns
This isn’t the first stampede at Tirumala—similar incidents occurred in 2018. Critics demand better infrastructure and stricter measures during peak seasons. Survivors described harrowing scenes, with pilgrims trampled in the chaos.
Next Steps and Mourning
The state declared three days of mourning, and darshan at the Vaikuntham complex was briefly suspended. Investigations are ongoing, with calls for accountability to prevent future tragedies.
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