India: Six killed in stampede at Tirupati temple in Andhra

Dubai: At least six people were killed and several others injured in a stampede at the ticket counters for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills on Wednesday, a police official said.

“Three women and one man died in the stampede,” the officials said.

Following the incident, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ordered relief measures to those injured. Speaking to officials over the phone, Naidu enquired about the treatment being provided to the injured in the incident.

“Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep shock over the death of 6 devotees in the stampede that took place near Vishnu Niwasam in Tirupati for darshan tokens at Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara,” the Andhra Pradesh CMO said.

Meanwhile, videos of police administering CPR on a couple of woman devotees and injured persons being shifted in ambulances went viral.

Hundreds of devotees showed up from across the country for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, which begins on January 10.