Tragic Stampede at Andhra’s Venkateswara Swamy Temple Leaves 10 Dead, Several Injured on Ekadashi
A stampede at Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam’s Venkateswara Swamy temple resulted in the death of at least ten people on Saturday. The stampede broke out as a large crowd gathered for Ekadashi at the temple, causing the crowd to trample passengers to flee.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) November 1: A large crowd of devotees arrived in the temple town of Kasibugga in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district early Saturday. The stampede broke out when a large crowd gathered at the temple on Ekadashi day, a statement from the Andhra Chief Minister’s Office said.
Chief Minister's Statement
The gruesome accident was caused by overcrowding as the heavy rush grew in number, resulting in the unfortunate incident. The Chief Minister and other leaders have expressed condolences in the fire.
Andhra Pradesh CMO said, "A stampede took place at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, leaving several people injured. The incident 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.”
Leaders Express Shock and Condolences
Union home minister Amit Shah said in a statement, “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the stampede at the Kashibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My condolences to the families of the devotees who lost their lives. Praying that the injured may recover at the earliest.”
A statement from Andhra Pradesh governor S Abdul Nazeer’s office said, “Governor of Andhra Pradesh Sri S. Abdul Nazeer expressed anguish and profound grief over the death of nine pilgrims in the stampede that took place at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, on Saturday, due to the heavy rush of pilgrims.”
Rescue and Relief Efforts Underway
Minister Nara Lokesh, the RTGS Department Minister, will also take care of disaster management in the event of an accident. He is on his way to the outskirts to assess the situation and determine action plans.
He 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” on social media platform X.
The severely wounded have been hurried to nearby hospitals for emergency care. Several ambulances have rushed to the scene to transfer the injured for treatment. Additional police have been sent to the area.
Massive Rush Turns Deadly on Ekadashi
Another source informed that uncounted people might have died. Desperation took over the temple as a tide of devotees surged in, turning faith into frenzy. In a matter of seconds, the crowd spun into chaos, with cries of agony ringing out and pedestrians tumbling to the ground. Meanwhile, the temple authorities, who had blocked the road with barricades and prevented pandemonium from spreading, maintained a false sense of security.
The temple is privately owned and not administered by the state government. This accident shows a lack of power while a crowd gathers in one place.
