Andhra Pradesh: In a tragic incident, at least six people have been killed in a stampede that broke out at the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. According to officials, the incident occurred near Vishnu Niwasam at the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter during the distribution of ‘darshan’ tokens.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has expressed sorrow over the death of devotees in the stampede. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the demise of the individuals in a tragic stampede. He stated that the state government is providing all possible assistance to the victims of the incident.

Eyewitnesses Share Heart-Wrenching Details

An eyewitness told ANI that the stampede occurred due to the overwhelming rush of pilgrims when the police opened the gates for token distribution, adding that there was no such system for obtaining tokens earlier. She stated that out of twenty members of her family, six have been injured. She claimed that a large number of male pilgrims rushed for tokens which caused injuries to several women who were then shifted to the hospital.

“A stampede occurred due to the heavy rush. As soon as the Police officials opened the gate, the pilgrims rushed to purchase tokens. There was no such system for obtaining tokens earlier. Out of twenty members of my family, six have been injured. We joined the queue at 11 o’clock. While waiting in the queue, we were provided with milk and biscuits. However, a large number of male pilgrims rushed for tokens, causing injuries to several women, who were then shifted to the hospital,” she added.

Tirupati stampede | A woman who was present at the spot says, "A stampede occurred due to the heavy rush. As soon as the Police officials opened the gate, the pilgrims rushed to purchase tokens. There was no such system for obtaining tokens earlier. Out of twenty members of my… pic.twitter.com/LUUAhbtpFB

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2025

The husband of the deceased Mallika, one of the victims, shared his tragic account, stating that the stampede occurred when his wife and others were attempting to obtain Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets, which led to her death.

He said, “While my wife and others were trying to obtain Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets, a stampede occurred, resulting in her death. I have informed our relatives and they are on their way…”

Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh | Husband of the deceased Mallika, says "While my wife and others were trying to obtain Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets, a stampede occurred, resulting in her death. I have informed our relatives and they are on their way…" https://t.co/fn7QqZhLXK pic.twitter.com/E9TX3NPrWm

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2025

TTd Cites ‘Overcrowding’ As The Cause

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), BR Naidu said that the stampede was caused by ‘overcrowding’.

Speaking to reporters, he called the incident ‘unfortunate.’ He added, “The reason is overcrowding…it is an unfortunate incident…tomorrow CM will tell everything, today the complete report will come. A total of 6 people have died, some are from Tamil Nadu and some are from Andhra Pradesh. As of now, one body has been identified and 5 are yet to be identified…”

Tirupati stampede | Andhra Pradesh | TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) Chairman BR Naidu says, " It is an unfortunate event, 6 pilgrims lost their lives. So far, only one pilgrim has been identified, while the others are yet to be identified. N Chief Minister Chandrababu… pic.twitter.com/VtvzVpWHUs

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2025

#WATCH | Tirupati stampede | Andhra Pradesh: Tirupati Municipal Commissioner Mourya says, "The situation was peaceful at every counter (to take tokens for darshan) except one at MGM school… a stampede occurred there…around 4000-5000 people came together at a time…it is… pic.twitter.com/V1dtqueYVG

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2025

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