Tirupati stampede: What lead to tragic chaos that claimed 6 lives
PTC News Desk: The Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh witnessed a massive chaos leading to stampede that claimed 7 lives. The unfortunate incident unfolded when more than 4,000 devotees were lined up for a special darshan at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple.
Devotees from across the country flown to Tirupati for the 10-day special Vaikuntha Dwara Darshanam. As per the reports no ambulances were present on standby at the token centres as per the guidelines. Even after the stampede, it took 15–20 minutes for ambulances to reach the spot.
According to the reports, a devotee identified as Mallika fell ill while she was waiting in the que. In view of her health gates were opened to streamline her exit, however other devotees took advantage of the situation and rushed inside which lead to the massive stampede.
Bhanu Prakash Reddy, a board member of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), said that 91 counters were opened for the distribution of tokens which was to commence on Thursday morning.
"Six devotees died in the stampede, 40 have sustained injuries, we are providing the best medical facilities possible. This has never happened in TTD's history. I sincerely seek an apology from the devotees. We will conduct an inquiry and take serious action," he said
TTD chairman BR Naidu blamed mismanagement for the incident.
"We believe this happened due to a lapse of administration. The DSP opened the gate in one area and others ran away. One victim has been identified. Chief Minister Naidu will meet the victims' families today," he added.
- PTC NEWS
