Thu Jan 09 02:39:14 UTC 2025: **Tirupati Temple Stampede Leaves Six Dead, Dozens Injured**

TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh – A stampede at a token distribution center near the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati resulted in the death of six pilgrims and injuries to at least 48 others on January 9, 2025. The incident occurred during the annual Vaikuntha Dwara Darshanam, attracting a massive influx of devotees seeking entry to the temple.

According to officials, the stampede took place at the TTD MGM school premises, where tokens for the darshan were being distributed. The majority of the deceased were women. The surge of devotees, far exceeding expectations, overwhelmed the distribution center, leading to the tragic event.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that he was deeply disturbed by the loss of life. He immediately ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident, suggesting negligence on the part of some officials. He held a review meeting with the DGP, TTD EO, Collector, and SP, expressing his anger at the lack of preparedness and the failure of precautionary measures. He directed a reassessment of counter management and security arrangements.

Mr. Naidu is scheduled to visit Tirupati later today to visit the injured at Ruia and SVIMS hospitals and conduct further review meetings with TTD officials. The injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals, with scenes of distress described outside Ruia Hospital, including ambulances and the cries of grieving relatives. The state government has pledged to support the families of the victims and provide the best possible medical care to the injured.

The Minister for Endowments, Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, assured that all possible assistance would be provided to the injured and families of the deceased, and that steps would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident has raised serious concerns about crowd management and safety protocols during large religious gatherings. Initial reports indicate a lack of coordination between police and TTD officials in managing the flow of devotees to the token distribution centers.

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