Nine Dead in Temple Stampede in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam

• At least nine devotees, mostly women and children, died in a stampede at Kasibugga’s Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple.
• The tragedy occurred during heavy crowding on the occasion of Ekadashi.
• Governor S Abdul Nazeer and CM Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow and directed immediate relief measures.
• Videos from the site showed chaos and desperate rescue efforts by devotees and medical workers.

GG News Bureau
Srikakulam, 1st Nov: At least nine devotees, including several women and children, lost their lives in a tragic stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Andhra Pradesh, early Friday morning. The incident took place amid heavy rush on the auspicious occasion of Ekadashi, when thousands had gathered for early morning prayers.

Eyewitness videos captured the horrifying moments as devotees, many holding puja baskets, were seen pushing and scrambling on a narrow staircase in panic. Several people fell and were trampled as the crowd surged forward. Bodies were later found strewn across the temple premises, while others lay unconscious, being attended to by local volunteers and emergency responders.

Medical personnel rushed to the site, providing immediate aid to the injured. Several devotees were shifted to nearby hospitals as police teams struggled to bring the situation under control.

Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer confirmed nine deaths in the tragedy and expressed anguish over the loss of lives. He has instructed the district administration to ensure quality medical care for those injured in the stampede.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described the incident as “heartbreaking” and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.
“The stampede at the Venkateswara Temple in Kasibugga has caused a deep shock. The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely painful. I have directed officials to provide proper treatment to the injured and extend all possible assistance,” Naidu said.

He also instructed senior officials and local representatives to visit the site and personally oversee relief operations.

Minister Nara Lokesh expressed “profound shock” over the incident, stating, “A deep sorrow has gripped us on this Ekadashi day. I extend my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. The government is ensuring the best medical treatment for those injured.”

As investigations continue, authorities are examining crowd management failures that may have contributed to the disaster at the historic temple.