‘Cascading Fall After One Person Tripped’: Nara Lokesh On Andhra Temple Stampede

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh said that an “unknown amount of rush” led to “a lot of suffocation”, which resulted in a stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam. Nine devotees were killed and several others injured in a stampede on Sunday, as an unusually large crowd gathered for Ekadashi darshan.

The minister called the tragedy “very unfortunate” and detailed the circumstances that led to the incident.

While speaking to reporters, Lokesh said that the privately-run temple witnessed an unprecedented rush of pilgrims early in the day. Darshan is allowed from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a break before reopening at 3 p.m. With only one entrance and one exit route, crowd movement became chaotic when the entry gate was closed

around 11:30 a.m. due to heavy influx.

“People assumed they could use the exit, which caused congestion and suffocation,” he said. “Someone tripped on the steps at the entry and it led to a cascading fall.” Lokesh noted that queue arrangements were not prepared for such a crowd and said most victims were women.

He added that the government responded within minutes of receiving information, coordinating rescue efforts through local officials, the Home Minister and the state disaster management network. “We worked exceptionally hard to save as many lives as possible,” he said.

#WATCH | Srikakulam: On the stampede at Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh says, “An unfortunate incident has happened in Kasibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple. Today, being ekadashi, like never before pilgrims came here. They wanted to take… pic.twitter.com/0jk2l1M1qn

— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2025

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced Rs 15 lakh ex-gratia for the families of those who died and Rs 3 lakh for those seriously injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also approved Rs 2 lakh compensation for the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those who suffered major injuries. Three critically injured devotees have been shifted to a superspecialty hospital.

Lokesh said the government will support affected families and ensure necessary medical equipment is provided at their homes if required. He added that a committee will submit a report, after which a formal standard operating procedure will be issued to prevent such incidents in the future.

“The CM has clearly asked us to come up with an SoP once a committee gives the report to ensure that such an incident never happens again,” he said.