Seven killed, several injured in stampede at temple in Bihar's Lakhisarai
PTC News Desk: Seven devotees were killed and several others injured in a stampede at the Ashok Dham Temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district on Monday after an electric wire reportedly snapped, triggering panic among the crowd.
The incident took place around 6.45 am as a large number of devotees gathered at the Shiva temple to offer prayers on the third Monday of the holy Shravan month.
The SDPO Shivam Kumar said, "Seven casualties have been reported. It is being said that an electric pole fell there and people were electrocuted, which led to a stampede-like situation. We can tell you the exact reason only after verifying everything."
According to initial information, a falling wire caused panic among devotees, leading to a stampede at the temple. Several people were caught in the rush and injured. They were taken to Lakhisarai Hospital for treatment.
Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar said authorities had made arrangements for a large number of devotees, but the crowd was much bigger than expected. Due to the heavy pressure of the crowd, a part of the barricade collapsed, causing people to fall over each other. Around 10-15 injured people were immediately taken for treatment.
A witness said that around 100 people pushed through the barricades near the temple entrance, creating chaos. He alleged that there was not enough security and proper crowd management. According to him, devotees were entering through a narrow, sloping passage with bamboo barricades when people from behind started pushing. The barricades gave way, and several people fell.
The witness said his wife was also caught in the crowd, and he was unable to find his daughter immediately after the stampede.
This is not the first stampede at the Ashok Dham Temple. On August 12, 2019, during the Shravan month, one devotee was killed and around 15 others were injured in a similar incident.
- PTC NEWS
