A tragic stampede in Tirupati claimed the lives of six individuals, a situation attributed to “overcrowding,” according to BR Naidu, the Chairman of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Naidu addressed the media after visiting the Sri Venkateswara Ramnarayan Ruia Government General Hospital, where he checked on the condition of the injured.
Describing the event as “unfortunate,” Naidu indicated that a comprehensive report would be released shortly, with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expected to provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding the stampede. “The cause of the stampede was overcrowding… it’s a regrettable incident. Tomorrow, the Chief Minister will convey more details; today we will provide a complete report. We have confirmed the deaths of 6 individuals, with some victims hailing from Tamil Nadu and others from Andhra Pradesh. Currently, only one body has been positively identified, while five remain unrecognized,” he stated.
TTD Board member, Bhanu Prakash Reddy, expressed his remorse for the incident, assuring that the TTD would initiate an inquiry and take necessary actions. He also informed that both the Chief Minister and the state Health Minister would visit Tirupati the following morning.
The failure of crowd management during a major religious event at the Tirupati temple highlights the need for enhanced safety measures. | Photo Credit: PTI
Reddy reported to the media that approximately 40 individuals sustained injuries in the stampede and are receiving medical care at the hospital. “In our effort to distribute tokens for ‘Ekadasi Darshan,’ we opened 91 counters… it’s unfortunate that this stampede occurred. Six devotees lost their lives, and about 40 were injured; we are committed to providing them with the best medical assistance,” he affirmed. “This incident is unprecedented in TTD’s history. I sincerely apologize to all the devotees affected. We will thoroughly investigate and take strict action… the Chief Minister and Health Minister will be in Tirupati tomorrow morning.” As it stands, six people have died and numerous others were injured following the stampede near the Tirupati temple on Wednesday evening, according to TTD officials.
The incident unfolded near Vishnu Niwasam, adjacent to the ticketing counter for Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara, during a chaotic distribution of ‘darshan’ tokens.
A chaotic scene unfolded during the distribution of tokens, leading to a stampede. | Photo Credit: ANI
As per a statement from TTD Chairman BR Naidu, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is closely monitoring the situation and will be meeting with the families of the victims on Thursday.
The statement noted, “This is a very unfortunate event with six pilgrims losing their lives. Currently, only one pilgrim has been identified, while the others are still unrecognized. Chief Minister Naidu is taking this matter seriously and has shown dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation during a teleconference. He will visit the families of the deceased tomorrow at 11:45 am and has stressed the importance of preventing such incidents in the future while keeping track of developments related to this issue.”
Devotees struggle for space at the token counter, creating a dangerous situation. | Photo Credit: K V Poornachandra Kumar
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed his shock and sorrow regarding the tragic incident at Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati, which resulted in the loss of six lives. Kalyan urged TTD authorities to ensure immediate support and information dissemination for the victims’ families.
Minister Nara Lokesh conveyed deep sympathy over the stampede, pledging that the state government would support the families of those who perished.
Union Ministers Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu also expressed their condolences regarding the loss of life in this distressing incident.
