Wed Jan 08 23:44:41 UTC 2025: ## Tirupati Stampede Kills Six, Injures Dozens Ahead of Vaikunta Ekadasi
**TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh, January 9, 2025** – A stampede at Tirupati on Wednesday evening resulted in the deaths of six people and injuries to over 20 others, all critically wounded. The incident occurred as tens of thousands of devotees thronged ticket counters for the upcoming Vaikunta Ekadasi festival at the Tirumala temple on January 10th.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board had set up approximately 90 ticket counters across Tirupati, opening at 5 a.m. Thursday. However, the massive turnout overwhelmed the arrangements, leading to chaos and pushing at counters such as Vishnu Nivasam, Bairagipatteda, and Ramachandra Pushkarini. Police struggled to control the surging crowds.
The injured were transported to the Sri Venkateswara Ramnarain Ruia Hospital. Authorities are still working to identify the deceased and injured.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep concern and ordered the TTD and police to provide the best possible medical care to the victims. He also demanded strict action against those responsible for the inadequate arrangements that contributed to the tragedy. The incident highlights concerns over crowd management during major religious events.
First Piper 