HYDERABAD, Jan 9 – A stampede near India’s famous Tirupati temple has left six people dead and 35 injured. Thousands of devotees had gathered to secure free visit passes for the sacred Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening as the gate was opened, causing a rush among the crowd. Authorities reported that around 2,500 people pushed forward, leading to a chaotic situation.
Officials are investigating the cause of the stampede. Tickets to the nearly 200-year-old temple typically cost 300 rupees and are available online.
Video footage shows police struggling to control the crowd, highlighting the scale of the tragedy. Currently, around a dozen of the injured remain in hospital for treatment.