Andhra Temple Stampede: Video Shows Crushed Devotees Given CPR in Desperate Attempts to Save Lives

Kasibugga: A disturbing incident took place on Saturday after a stampede broke out at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam Kasibugga as a large crowd gathered on the occasion of

Ekadashi. According to reports, at least 10 people have lost their lives, mostly women anhe heavy rush of devotees led to overcrowding, resulting in a sudden stampede.The stampede occurred at Venkateswara temple at around 11.30 am, said Kasibugga sub-division in-charge DSP Lakshman Rao."Total 10 deaths. Seven on the spot and three while undergoing treatment," Srikakulam District Collector Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar told PTI and added that most of the victims are women.As authorities and bystanders panicked soon after the stampede, one person was seen administering CPR to one of the injured devotee.

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha noted that at least five people were injured. She said at least seven of the dead are in the age group of 35-40.According to her, the temple is located at an elevation on the first floor, and when the devotees were climbing, the railing broke off, resulting in the people standing at a corner falling off and others dropping on them.Observing that Kasibugga Venkateswara temple is a private one and not under the Endowments Department, Anitha said it is common to see 1,500 to 2,000 devotees turn up here every Saturday.Further, she noted that the auspicious occasion of Ekadasi coinciding with 'Karthika Masam' on a Saturday aggravated the tragedy as multitudes thronged the temple.Reacting to the incident, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, in a post on X said, "The stampede at Kasibugga Venkateswara temple in Srikakulam district anguished me. It is very sad that devotees have died in this unfortunate incident. I convey my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims."The CM also said that he directed officials to ensure better treatment for the injured persons and added that he instructed the authorities and local leaders to monitor the relief work at the stampede site.