Ekadashi Rush Turns Fatal: 9 Lose Lives in Stampede at Andhra’s Venkateswara Temple
A tragic incident unfolded at the revered Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh when a stampede during Ekadashi celebrations resulted in the loss of nine lives. The temple, known for attracting thousands of devotees during special festivals, saw a surge in crowd numbers as worshippers gathered for prayers, ritual offerings, and darshan. According to early reports from local authorities, the incident occurred when the crowd grew denser near one of the main pathways leading to the sanctum. Witnesses said that a sudden push from the rear of the crowd caused panic, leading to a chain reaction of people falling and getting crushed. Despite the presence of security and volunteers, the swell of devotees made it difficult to control the situation. Emergency services were rushed to the scene, and several of the injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Some remain in critical condition, and authorities are monitoring their recovery closely. The temple management and stat...