7 killed in India temple stampede
At least seven people were killed and several others injured after a massive crowd triggered a stampede outside the Ashok Dham Temple in India’s Bihar state.
According to Indian media reports, the incident occurred early Monday morning, the third Monday of the Hindu month of Sawan, when a large number of devotees gathered at the temple to offer prayers.
District administration officials reached the scene shortly after the incident and began overseeing rescue efforts as well as measures to bring the crowd under control.
Officials said the crowd outside the temple suddenly surged after two trains arrived in the area in the morning. The sudden influx placed heavy pressure on the barricades installed at the site, causing one section to collapse. Several people fell over one another, triggering panic and a stampede.
Authorities said they had made arrangements in anticipation of a large turnout. However, the unexpected increase in the number of devotees quickly overwhelmed the arrangements and created a chaotic situation.
Rescue teams immediately began evacuating the injured, with around 10 to 15 people initially taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Indian media reports have also cited preliminary information suggesting that an electricity pole fell at the scene and some people may have suffered electric shocks. The incident reportedly caused further panic among the crowd and may have contributed to the subsequent stampede.
Authorities are continuing to assess the situation and investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries.
