Temple Tragedy in India: Six Dead in Stampede Triggered by Free Passes

Thursday 09 January 2025 - 15:31

At least six individuals lost their lives, and 35 others sustained injuries during a stampede near one of India’s most frequented and affluent temples. The tragedy unfolded as thousands of devotees gathered to obtain free visit passes, according to local authorities.

The event occurred on Wednesday near the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, a revered site in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. The period from Friday to January 19 is considered particularly auspicious for visiting the deity, leading to an overwhelming influx of devotees.

The stampede erupted as gates were opened for the crowd. “Approximately 2,500 people surged forward, causing some to fall,” explained the district’s top official. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the incident.

Visits to the nearly 2,000-year-old temple usually require tickets priced at 300 rupees ($3.50), which are typically sold online. To facilitate access, state authorities had set up counters to distribute free passes beginning Thursday.

The incident occurred outside a school a few miles from the temple between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., where the crowd had queued for hours. Video footage showed police struggling to control the swelling mass, with people pushing and jostling, eventually triggering the stampede. Of the injured, about a dozen remain hospitalized.

The temple administration expressed regret over the incident and assured that action would be taken against those responsible.

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh inspected the site and visited hospitalized victims. Opposition parties criticized the state government, labeling the event an administrative failure.

The Prime Minister of India extended his condolences, stating, “My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones.”