Lakhisarai, Aug. 17: At least seven devotees were killed and more than 12 others injured after a stampede broke out at the Ashok Dham Temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district on Monday morning.
The incident occurred as thousands of devotees gathered at the temple to offer prayers and perform Jalabhishek on the third Monday of the holy Shravan month.
According to Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar, an unprecedented rush of devotees, reportedly intensified by the arrival of two trains between 6:30 am and 6:45 am, led to the collapse of a barricade outside the temple. The sudden surge triggered panic among the crowd, resulting in the stampede.
There were also initial reports that a fallen electric wire may have caused panic among devotees, following which rumours spread through the crowd and people began rushing in different directions.
Several devotees were caught in the crush and fell over one another. Local residents and fellow devotees immediately joined rescue efforts and helped pull people out of the crowded area.
Police and administrative officials reached the temple soon after receiving information about the incident. Rescue operations were launched, while the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Senior administrative officials are currently monitoring the situation and overseeing rescue and crowd-management arrangements at the temple premises.
The Ashok Dham Temple, also known as Shri Indradamaneshwar Mahadev Temple, is a major Shiva shrine and attracts large crowds during the month of Sawan. Devotees traditionally visit the temple during Shravan to offer prayers and water to Lord Shiva.
The tragic incident has cast a shadow over the religious gathering, with authorities continuing to assess the situation and take steps to prevent further incidents amid the heavy influx of devotees.
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