Thu Jan 09 00:10:20 UTC 2025: ## Six Dead, Dozens Injured in Stampede at Indian Temple
**TIRUPATI, INDIA** – A stampede at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala Hills on Wednesday night resulted in the deaths of at least six devotees and injuries to dozens more. The incident occurred as hundreds of people crowded together to obtain tickets for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, a special religious event at the ancient temple.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman B.R. Naidu attributed the stampede to a surge of people after the opening of gates. He confirmed that one victim has been identified. Videos circulating online show police performing CPR and injured individuals being transported by ambulance.
Hundreds of devotees from across India had gathered for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, which began on January 10th. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock and is scheduled to visit Tirupati today to assess the situation and offer support to the injured. He has ordered a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future. The CM’s office stated that he is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring the injured receive adequate medical care.
First Piper 