Mon Nov 03 02:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the tragic incident, based on the provided text:

9 Dead, Dozens Injured in Temple Stampede in Srikakulam District

KASIBUGGA, Andhra Pradesh – A stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, resulted in the deaths of nine people, including eight women and a young boy, on Saturday. At least 25 others sustained serious injuries.

The tragedy occurred during Karthika Ekadasi, a holy day that drew an estimated 15,000 devotees to the recently constructed temple. The narrow staircase leading to and from the temple became severely overcrowded, leading to a crush around 11:45 AM.

Witnesses reported that a steel railing along the 12-foot-wide staircase gave way under the pressure of the crowd, causing people to fall on top of each other. Many were trampled, and some became trapped under the fallen railing.

“The temple usually sees around 2,000 visitors,” said Harimukunda Panda, the individual who built the temple. “We didn’t anticipate such a large crowd and did not inform the police.”

Local residents immediately responded to help the injured. Seriously injured individuals were transported to hospitals in Tekkali and Srikakulam. Authorities, including Minister Atchannaidu, MLA Gouthu Sireesha, Collector Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar, and SP KV Maheshwara Reddy, arrived at the scene to oversee rescue and relief operations.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock and grief over the incident. He announced that the government will take action against those responsible for the tragedy and emphasized the need for better safety measures at religious sites.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and announced ex-gratia payments of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, from the PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund).

An investigation into the causes of the stampede is underway.

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