The death toll from the stampede near the Tirupati temple rose to six, with several others injured, according to officials from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday evening near Vishnu Niwasam, close to the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter, during the distribution of ‘darshan’ tokens.
A statement from TTD Chairman BR Naidu confirmed that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is closely monitoring the situation. The Chief Minister is scheduled to meet with the families of the victims on Thursday at 11:45 a.m.
The statement from the Chairman’s office read, “This is an unfortunate event. Six pilgrims have lost their lives, and only one has been identified so far, with others yet to be identified. CM Chandrababu Naidu has expressed dissatisfaction with the management during a teleconference with officials and has warned against such incidents in the future. The Chief Minister is very serious about this issue and is receiving regular updates.”
Late Wednesday, TTD Chairman BR Naidu visited Sri Venkateswara Ramnarayan Ruia Government General Hospital in Tirupati to meet the injured and assess their condition.
Speaking to the media, TTD Board Member Bhanu Prakash Reddy reported that 40 individuals were injured in the stampede and are currently receiving treatment at the hospital. Expressing deep regret, he apologized to devotees and assured an inquiry would be conducted.
“To distribute tokens for ‘Ekadasi Darshan,’ we opened 91 counters. Unfortunately, a stampede occurred, resulting in the loss of six lives and injuries to 40 people. We are providing the best possible medical care to the injured. This has never happened in TTD history, and we deeply apologize to the devotees. An inquiry will be conducted, and serious action will follow. Tomorrow morning, the Chief Minister and the State Health Minister will visit Tirupati,” said Reddy.
TTD Executive Officer Shyamala Rao confirmed, “The death toll has increased to six, and 40 pilgrims have sustained injuries. A thorough investigation into the incident will be conducted.”
The incident has raised concerns about crowd management during significant religious events. Authorities are taking steps to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.
