Wed Jan 08 18:00:00 UTC 2025: **Six Devotees Killed in Stampede at Tirupati Temple During Token Distribution**
TIRUPATI, INDIA – A stampede occurred in Tirupati on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of six devotees and injuries to at least 29 others. The incident took place during the distribution of tokens for the Vaikuntha Dwar Darshanam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple.
An unexpectedly large number of devotees gathered, leading to a crush at distribution centers near Sri Niwasam and Ramanayya School in Bairagipatteda. Five of the deceased were women. The injured are receiving treatment at Ruia Hospital (20 patients) and SVIMS (9 patients). District Collector Venkateswar and TTD EO Dharma Reddy are overseeing medical services.
The TTD had planned to distribute 1.2 lakh tokens across nine centers from 5 am onwards. However, a large crowd gathered the previous evening, and the situation escalated when a queue line was briefly opened to allow a staff member to receive medical attention. This was misinterpreted by the crowd, leading to the stampede.
Eyewitnesses reported insufficient security measures at the distribution centers. Concerns have also been raised regarding a lack of communication between on-site staff and higher authorities about the crowd size and the need for alternative arrangements.
While the situation is reported to be under control, the incident has raised serious questions about crowd management and security protocols during religious events. Police and additional security personnel have been deployed to the affected areas. The TTD EO stated that token distribution will continue, but additional measures will be implemented to prevent future incidents.
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