A crowd surge at the Swamy Venkateswara Temple in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, during Ekadashi left at least 12 people dead and dozens injured after an iron grille used to manage a queue reportedly collapsed. Officials said the temple, privately managed and meant for roughly 3,000 people, was overwhelmed by an estimated 25,000 worshippers. Authorities have launched an inquiry and Andhra Pradesh leaders have pledged strict action, while hospitals treat the injured and examine those in shock.
Stampede at Andhra Pradesh Temple During Ekadashi Kills at Least 12, Dozens Injured; Probe Ordered
A crowd surge at the Swamy Venkateswara Temple in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, during Ekadashi left at least 12 people dead and dozens injured after an iron grille used to manage a queue reportedly collapsed. Officials said the temple, privately managed and meant for roughly 3,000 people, was overwhelmed by an estimated 25,000 worshippers. Authorities have launched an inquiry and Andhra Pradesh leaders have pledged strict action, while hospitals treat the injured and examine those in shock.
12:50, 02.11.2025Society
At least 12 dead after crowd surge at Swamy Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh
A crowd surge at the Swamy Venkateswara Temple in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, left at least 12 people dead and dozens more injured on Saturday, local officials said. CBS News later confirmed the 12-person death toll.
Hundreds of devotees had gathered at the popular temple to observe Ekadashi, a sacred day in which many worshippers fast and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, senior police officer K. V. Maheswra Reddy told the Associated Press.
An initial inquiry suggests the crush began after an iron grille used to organize the queue gave way, triggering an uncontrolled surge of people, Reddy said. Early reports about the toll varied as officials updated figures; authorities have said some victims later succumbed to their injuries.
Senior state official Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar said more casualties were feared and provided updated counts: "Initially, we had reports of seven deaths, but two more people have succumbed to their injuries, while the condition of two others is critical," he said. Pundkar added that among those previously reported, eight were women and one was a child. At least 16 injured devotees are being treated at a local hospital, while around 20 others are being observed for shock at another facility.
Video circulating on regional media showed bystanders rushing to help those who collapsed; some victims were seen gasping for air while others attempted basic resuscitation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh's top elected official, N. Chandrababu Naidu, expressed sorrow and extended condolences to grieving families. Naidu ordered an inquiry and pledged strict action against those found responsible, local outlets reported.
State authorities said the temple is privately managed, sits on roughly 12 acres of land, and is not under direct government control. Although the site’s stated maximum capacity is about 3,000 people, officials said the crowd swelled to an estimated 25,000 on Saturday. The state's fact-check unit tweeted that arrangements were inadequate and that event organizers had not informed the government, calling that a key reason for the accident.
Context
Crowd surges at religious gatherings and large festivals remain a persistent safety challenge in India, where massive congregations can overwhelm local infrastructure and security plans. In recent months, similar incidents have been fatal: a July surge at a northern temple left at least six dead; about 30 people were reported killed during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in January; and another incident the following month resulted in multiple deaths at a New Delhi railway station as pilgrims traveled to the festival.
Investigation ongoing: Local authorities have launched an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the crush. Officials said they will examine crowd management, the condition and placement of barriers, and whether safety protocols were followed.