Andhra Pradesh | At least nine people, including eight women and a young boy, lost their lives and several others sustained injuries in a tragic incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Kasibugga town of Srikakulam district on Saturday morning. Initial reports suggested that ten people may have died, but district officials later confirmed nine fatalities.
The incident occurred around 11.30 in the morning when an iron railing near the temple steps collapsed. According to police, devotees panicked after hearing the sound of the collapse, assuming that part of the structure was falling. In the rush and confusion, several people fell from a height of about six feet, causing multiple casualties.
Srikakulam Superintendent of Police KV Maheswara Reddy stated that the temple is a privately constructed shrine, not managed by the government or the Endowments Department. He clarified that the mishap was not a stampede but a tragic accident triggered by structural failure. The temple authorities had not sought police permission or made arrangements for crowd management.
Officials Term the Incident as an Accident
Police officials attributed the deaths to the collapse of the iron grill and described it as an avoidable accident caused by negligence in temple management. They said the panic among devotees led to the fall, resulting in severe injuries and loss of lives. One person remains in critical condition, while others are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.
District Collector Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar and senior police officers visited the site and monitored rescue and relief operations. Authorities have begun an investigation into the lack of safety measures and permission violations at the private temple.
Prime Minister Expresses Grief and Announces Compensation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 2,000 each for the injured.
Prime Minister said he was pained by the tragedy at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his condolences and said he was shocked by the incident.
State Government Responds with Relief Measures
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha confirmed that five people were injured and most of the deceased were women aged between 35 and 40 years. She explained that the temple is situated on the first floor of the building and that the railing gave way while devotees were climbing the steps. Those standing at the corner fell, and others toppled over them, worsening the situation.
The minister added that the temple usually witnesses large gatherings of around 1,500 to 2,000 devotees every Saturday. The tragedy occurred on the auspicious day of Ekadasi during Karthika Masam, when even more worshippers had gathered for prayers.
Chief Minister Orders Immediate Relief and Investigation
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep anguish over the deaths and extended condolences to the families of the victims. In his message on X, he called the incident heartbreaking and directed officials to ensure immediate medical care for the injured. He also ordered district authorities and local leaders to supervise the relief and rescue operations at the site and submit a detailed report on the cause of the mishap.
Discussion about this post