More than 15,000 devotees had gathered at the Kasibuggar temple on the occasion of Ekadashi on Saturday. The crowd of devotees created an overflowing crowd, which led to a sudden stampede. In which at least nine people lost their lives.

The stampede occurred at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh on Saturday.

In a statement on behalf of the Indian government, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the incident. He said, "The stampede at the Kasibuggar Venkateswara temple in Srikakulam district has caused grief. The loss of devotees in this tragic incident is very heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased," Naidu said in a post on X.

Naidu has directed officials to provide prompt and proper medical treatment to the injured. He has requested local officials and public representatives to visit the site and supervise the relief efforts.

What caused the incident?

The incident also took place when a large number of people had gathered at the temple to offer prayers on the occasion of Ekadashi. The rush of devotees created an overcrowding situation, which suddenly led to a stampede.

The injured were immediately taken to the hospital. Meanwhile, the police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

PM Modi's donation announcement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the stampede and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the deceased. The Prime Minister's Office announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the injured.

"I am saddened by the stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing the injured a speedy recovery," the Prime Minister's Office said in a post on X.