A stampede occurred at a Hindu temple in southern India, where 25,000 devotees had gathered at once, resulting in at least nine deaths.
According to the Associated Press and other sources on November 2 (local time), 25,000 devotees flocked to a Hindu temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, southern India, the previous morning. The stampede happened as a large number of devotees crowded into a confined space within the temple, leaving nine dead and 25 injured.
Among the deceased, eight have been identified as women, and the remaining victim is reported to be a child.
Local police investigations revealed that the accident occurred when a metal railing, installed inside the temple to maintain the line of pilgrims, collapsed. The day of the incident was 'Ekadashi,' a day when Hindu devotees fast and offer prayers to the deity Vishnu.
A local government official stated, "Initially, seven deaths were reported, but two more injured victims have since died," adding, "Two of the injured are also in critical condition."
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh explained that the temple, which covers an area of 48,500 square meters, is a privately managed religious facility not directly overseen by the government, and its maximum capacity is 3,000 people.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims and their families through social media, saying, "I am heartbroken by this tragedy," and announced that compensation would be provided.
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