Thu Jan 09 05:59:51 UTC 2025: **Tirupati Stampede Leaves Six Dead, Dozens Injured**
TIRUPATI, INDIA – At least six people died and 40 were injured in a stampede at the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. The incident occurred this morning as hundreds of devotees surged forward when ticket counters opened for the annual Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman B.R. Naidu attributed the stampede to devotees rushing through gates opened by police. Lakhs of pilgrims are expected to visit the temple over the next ten days for the religious event, which begins January 10th. Authorities are investigating the incident.
First Piper 