Thu Jan 09 10:13:50 UTC 2025: ## Tirupati Stampede Kills Five, Leaves Dozens Injured During Vaikuntha Ekadashi
**Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh:** A tragic stampede at the Tirupati temple during Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations claimed the lives of five devotees and injured over 40 others. The incident occurred near Vishnu Niwasam, where hundreds of pilgrims were queuing for special darshan tokens.
According to eyewitnesses, the chaos began when a woman in the queue fell ill, prompting authorities to open a gate to allow her passage. This was misinterpreted by other pilgrims, who surged forward, resulting in the deadly stampede.
Venkatesh, who lost his wife Shanthi in the incident, recounted the horrifying experience, stating that the police management was inadequate and that he only learned of his wife’s death through a viral video. He described frantically searching for her in local hospitals after the incident.
District Collector Dr. S. Venkateswar, while acknowledging the tragedy, maintained that sufficient police and logistical arrangements, including food, water, and toilets, were in place. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board has denied any conspiracy.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep distress over the incident and is expected to visit Tirupati today to assess the situation and announce compensation for the victims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his condolences and assured that the state government is providing all possible assistance. The incident has cast a pall of sorrow over the otherwise auspicious Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations.
First Piper 