Seven dead in ‘stampede-like’ incident at Ashokdham Temple in Bihar's Lakhisara

Seven people died in a 'stampede-like' incident at the Ashokdham Temple in Lakhisara, Bihar, an official said on Monday. Several people were reportedly injured.

The incident occurred between 6.30 and6.45 am on Monday.

Lakhisarai DM Shailendra Kumar told ANI the crowd swelled in an “unprecedented manner.”

“Around 6.30-6.45 am, two trains came here, which added to the crowd. Arrangements were made as we had anticipated the crowd. We then came to know that the barricading broke on one side, due to the crowd, and people fell on each other. We rushed 10-15 people here immediately,” Kumar was quoted as saying.

What led to Lakhisarai stampede?

The incident occurred due to a heavy rush of devotees at the temple who had come to pay offerings to lord Shiva in the holy month of Shravan.

Recalling the incident and explaining what led to the incident, a devotee said, "There were women standing in a queue. Around 10-12 women pushed their way in and started pushing us. We fell, and around 20-25 women fell on top of one another. Many fainted after getting trapped under the crowd. This happened because there was a huge rush."

Meanwhile, SDPO Shivam Kumar told ANI, "Seven casualties have been reported. It is being said that an electric pole fell there and people were electrocuted, which led to a stampede-like situation. We can tell you the exact reason only after verifying everything."

CM extends condolences

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said in a post on X that the incident at Ashok Dham in Lakhisarai is extremely tragic and heart-wrenching.

"The news of the deaths of devotees in the accident has left my heart deeply distressed. My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved families. Necessary instructions have been issued to the administration for the proper and expeditious treatment of the injured. May God give peace to the departed souls and a swift recovery to the injured," he wrote.

More details are awaited.