Devastating Temple Stampede in Srikakulam Claims Nine Lives

A catastrophic stampede has occurred at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, resulting in the deaths of nine devotees and injuring several others. The tragic event took place on Saturday during a religious gathering for Ekadashi, where an overwhelming number of devotees led to dangerous overcrowding and a deadly surge. Emergency response teams were quickly on the scene, prioritizing the injured who were rushed to local hospitals for treatment. Additional law enforcement was deployed to control the situation. A state minister visited the temple grounds to oversee relief operations and gather details about the unfortunate incident. The Andhra Pradesh government has assured swift medical attention for the injured and expressed deep sorrow for the lives lost. Investigations into the cause of the stampede are ongoing.