Andhra Pradesh, 9 January 2025- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will visit the families of the Tirupati stampede victims on Thursday. At least six people were killed and several others were injured after a stampede broke out near Vishnu Niwasam close to the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter, during the distribution of ‘darshan’ tokens.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Additional Executive Officer Venkayya Chowdary on early Thursday morning visited the Sri Venkateswara Ramnarayan Ruia Government General Hospital in Tirupati to meet those injured in a tragic stampede in Andhra Pradesh a day earlier. Six people were also killed.
Visuals of Tirupati Stampede
Stampede occurred when people rushed to collect tokens
“Tirupati temple stampede occurred on Wednesday due to overcrowding when people rushed to collect tokens near ticketing counter in temple,” said the Chairman of the TTD, BR Naidu.
“The reason (for the stampede) 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,” he said.
Victims and eyewitnesses on stampede horror
One of the eyewitnesses, who was with her family of 20 at the time of the incident, said the stampede occurred when the police opened the gates for token distribution near the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter.
“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,” PTI quoted her as saying.
Among those who died in the stampede was Mallika, whose husband shared how his wife was caught in the deadly crush during the ritual.
“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…” he said.
Former TTD Chairman criticizes Andhra government for lapses in crowd management and ensuring safety of devotees in Tirupati.
Former TTD Chairman Bhuma Karunakar Reddy slammed the coalition government and said that “the arrangements should have been made in advance amid the rising influx of devotees due to festive season.”
Situation came under control around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday
Collector S Venkateswar on Thursday said that the situation at Tirupati temple was brought under control at 9:30 pm last night.
“The situation was brought under control at 9.30 pm last night. At all queue counters, ticket distribution was completed last night around 1 am…This year additional forces have been deployed in Tirumala…,” the official said.
CM Naidu to meet Tirupati stampede victims today
Andhra CM Naidu calls for a review meeting on Thursday. He is set to meet with officials to review the situation after six people lost their live in the Tirupati stampede incident.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin expressed condolences
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of six people in Tirupati temple stampede case.
According to Tirupati district collector S Venkateswar, one of the victims hailed from Tamil Nadu’s Salem.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic #stampede at #Tirupati, which has claimed innocent lives, including those from Tamil Nadu. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident. Wishing the injured a swift recovery. #TirupatiStampede,” Stalin said on a post on ‘X.’
KT Rama Rao expressed grief
BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) expressed a deep grief over the tragic stampede at Tirupati, Andhra PRadesh. The tragic accident claimed six lives on Wednesday.
“Saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede at Tirupati. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. My thoughts and prayers are with those families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic mishap,” KTR posted on X (formerly Twitter).
S Jaishankar expressed condolences
External affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday expressed condolences and prayers for the affected families and the injured during Tirupati Temple.
Sharing a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Saddened by the unfortunate stampede at Tirupati Temple. Heartfelt condolences to the families who lost dear ones. Pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
PM Modi’s tweet on tragic Tirupati stampede
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the demise of the individuals who lost their lives in tragic stampede which occurred on Wednesday evening
In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister’s Office wrote, “Pained by the stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. The AP Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected: PM @narendramodi.”
President Droupadi Murmu expressed concern
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday expressed concern over the death of victims in the accident.
“Distressed to know that a stampede in Tirupati led to loss of life of many devotees. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for speedy recovery of the injured,” Murmu said in a post on X.
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