Extremely tragic: Andhra Chief Minister expresses shock over temple stampede

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and other leaders expressed deep sorrow and concern following the stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga area of Srikakulam district, that claimed nine lives and left several others injured on Saturday.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu called the incident “deeply saddening” and directed officials to ensure immediate relief measures. “The loss of lives in this unfortunate incident is deeply saddening. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” he said in a statement.

Naidu added that he had instructed local authorities to visit the site and closely monitor rescue and relief operations. “I have directed the authorities to provide the best possible treatment to the injured and asked public representatives to oversee the efforts,” he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Nara Lokesh, the state’s Minister for Education and IT, described the tragedy as “deeply shocking.” In a post on X, Lokesh said, “The stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple, which resulted in the death of several devotees, is deeply shocking. There was a great tragedy on the day of Ekadashi. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who died.”

Lokesh said he had spoken to officials immediately after learning of the incident.

“Our government is providing the best medical treatment to those injured in the stampede. As soon as I received the information, I spoke to the authorities, the district minister Atchannaidu and the local MLA Gauthu Sirisha. I have ordered immediate assistance to the victims,” he said.

Earlier today, the Chief Minister's Office said the stampede occurred as a large crowd gathered at the temple on the occasion of Ekadashi. The heavy rush of devotees led to overcrowding, resulting in a sudden stampede.

"The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police rushed to the spot. State Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu rushed to the accident site immediately. He spoke with the temple authorities to gather details about the incident. Additional police forces have been deployed to the spot," the statement added.

Disturbing visuals from the temple premises showed a massive crowd trying to make their way up when a stampede occurred. Shortly after, devotees lying motionless on the ground. Rescue operations are underway and officials said the death toll may rise.

- Ends