Nine killed, 17 injured in stampede at Srikakulam’s Venkateswara Temple during Ekadashi rush

At least nine devotees, including eight women and a child, were killed and 17 others injured in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, early Tuesday morning. The tragedy occurred amid a heavy rush of devotees gathered to mark Ekadashi, an auspicious day for Hindus.

Horrifying visuals from the temple showed massive overcrowding as hundreds of devotees, many carrying puja baskets, were seen jostling on a narrow staircase before several fell and were trampled. Witnesses said panic spread rapidly as people screamed for help, with some attempting to pull others out from the crush.

Police and emergency teams rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control, shifting the injured to nearby hospitals. Officials confirmed that the temple, popularly known as “Mini Tirupati”, is privately managed and not under the state endowments department. Government sources said the temple authorities had not informed local administration about the large gathering expected on Ekadashi.

Construction work was reportedly underway near the area where the stampede occurred, and the premises had only one entry and exit point, making evacuation difficult.

Government response and relief

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described the incident as “extremely heartbreaking” and announced full state support for the victims’ families. “I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and have instructed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured,” Naidu said, adding that an inquiry will be conducted into the tragedy.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said he was “deeply distressed” and assured immediate relief operations. “The government will extend all possible support to the affected families,” he said, urging endowments officials to improve crowd management and safety arrangements at major temples during the Karthik month, when footfall traditionally surges.

Ex-gratia and condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the deaths and announced ₹2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). “Pained by the stampede in Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Prime Minister said.

Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended condolences, calling the incident “deeply saddening.”

Cabinet Minister Nara Lokesh, who is en route to Srikakulam, said he was in “profound shock” and has directed officials to expedite relief efforts and ensure the best medical care for the injured.

Eyewitness accounts and aftermath

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as rescue workers and volunteers struggled to lift unconscious devotees and clear the narrow stairway. Medical teams treated dozens of women who fainted or suffered suffocation injuries.

Officials said relief operations are underway, and the district administration has been instructed to submit a detailed report on the causes and lapses that led to the disaster.

The tragic incident has once again raised questions about crowd control and safety measures at large religious gatherings, especially at private temples not monitored by government authorities.