Six pilgrims, including five women, tragically lost their lives, and 29 others were injured in a stampede that took place at Srinivasam in Tirupati on Wednesday evening.
According to official reports, the incident occurred at the queue for receiving tokens for the darshan of Vaikunta Dwaram when the gates were unexpectedly opened to allow an ambulance carrying a distressed TTD staff member to pass through. Officials have indicated that the death toll may rise further.
Footage from the event shows that as hundreds of devotees scrambled for tickets for the Vaikunta Dwara darshan at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills, the chaos led to multiple injuries and fatalities.
The Executive Officer of TTD and the District Collector are currently overseeing the relief operations, and authorities have reported that the situation is under control.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives. He is closely monitoring the medical treatment being provided to the injured and other developments related to the incident. The Chief Minister has also instructed officials to take all necessary measures to assist the affected devotees.
