At least 9 killed in a stampede at a temple in Andhra Pradesh, India

At least 9 people, including two children, were killed in a stampede at a temple in Andhra Pradesh, India, on Saturday morning. The temple was more crowded than usual that day. There were some differences in the number of people killed in the Indian media.

The incident of loss of life took place at the Venkateswara temple in Kasibugara in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that the stampede occurred due to a larger crowd than usual. Several others were injured in the incident.

A police officer told the Indian Express that when many devotees started pushing forward together, a railing collapsed and people fell on each other in a panic. Then a stampede began. He said that two children were among the dead in the incident.

State Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims in the incident and said, "I have directed the officials to take steps to provide prompt and proper treatment to the injured." I have also requested the local administration and public representatives to visit the site and supervise the relief activities.

Rescue operations were still underway at the site this afternoon local time. The Venkateswara temple is spread over an area of ​​more than 12 acres. Many devotees from near and far visit the temple every day.

A few days before this incident, 41 people were killed in a stampede in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu.