Amaravati, Nov 1 (NationPress) In a devastating incident, at least nine devotees, predominantly women and children, tragically lost their lives in a stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple located in Kasibugga, situated in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh during the Ekadashi celebrations on Saturday. The overwhelming number of worshippers resulted in chaos and panic.

Distressing footage from the temple grounds revealed the bodies of devotees scattered on the ground as rescue teams and local citizens hurried to assist the injured.

Prior videos depicted alarming overcrowding, with numerous women clutching puja baskets as they struggled on a staircase in a desperate attempt to escape the turmoil.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Chhattisgarh, conveyed his sorrow regarding the incident and declared compensation for the victims.

"I am saddened by the stampede at Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those mourning the loss of their loved ones. I wish for the swift recovery of the injured," he stated in an X post, as reported by the PMO.

The Prime Minister also announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased, while those injured would receive Rs 50,000.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the occurrence as "deeply saddening".

"I am profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the stampede at the Kashibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My condolences go out to the families of the devotees who perished. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured," he remarked in a post on X.

Andhra Pradesh Governor, Justice S. Abdul Nazeer (retd), expressed his profound grief over the deaths of the pilgrims due to the overwhelming rush.

"Governor of Andhra Pradesh Sri S. Abdul Nazeer expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of nine pilgrims in the stampede that occurred at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, on Saturday, due to the heavy influx of pilgrims," said the Andhra Raj Bhavan in an X post.

The Governor extended heartfelt condolences to the affected families and instructed the district administration to ensure enhanced medical care for the injured pilgrims.

Expressing shock and grief, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu described the incident as "heartbreaking".

"The stampede at the Venkateswara Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, has left me deeply shocked. The loss of devotees’ lives in this incident is profoundly tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to the grieving families. I have directed officials to guarantee prompt and proper treatment for the injured," he remarked in a statement.

The Chief Minister also directed local authorities and public representatives to visit the scene and personally oversee the relief and rescue efforts.

In a post on X, Naidu further stated: "The stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple in Srikakulam district has made a significant impact. It is incredibly sad that devotees have lost their lives in this unfortunate event. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. I have instructed the authorities to provide the best possible treatment to the injured. I have requested local authorities and public representatives to oversee the incident site and monitor the relief operations."

State Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) General Secretary Nara Lokesh also shared his sorrow regarding the incident.

In a post on X, he expressed: "The stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple, which resulted in the loss of several devotees, is profoundly shocking. A great tragedy occurred on the day of Ekadashi. I convey my deepest condolences to the families of those who died. The government is ensuring better medical treatment for those injured in the stampede. Upon receiving the news, I immediately contacted the authorities, including District Minister Atchannaidu and local MLA Gauthu Sirisha. I have ordered immediate assistance for the victims."