Srikakulam, November 1:
At least nine devotees, including eight women and a 12-year-old boy, died and several others were injured after an iron railing gave way at a crowded Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga town of Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district on Saturday morning, officials said.
The incident occurred around 11.30 am when a large number of devotees gathered for darshan on the occasion of Ekadasi during the auspicious Karthika Masam. Police said the tragedy unfolded after a section of the iron grill near the steps collapsed, triggering panic among worshippers.
“Nine people have died, including a child. One person is in serious condition. It is a private temple, not under government control. The accident occurred due to the owner’s negligence — no police bandobust or permissions were taken,” said Srikakulam Superintendent of Police KV Maheswara Reddy.
Authorities clarified that there was no stampede, but the collapse from a height of six feet caused devotees to fall over one another. “People thought the structure was falling, leading to chaos. One fell on another, causing multiple casualties,” the SP added.
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha said five people were injured and confirmed that most of the victims were aged between 35 and 40. “The temple stands on the first floor. When devotees climbed, the railing broke, leading to the fall,” she said.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed anguish over the deaths. “It is very sad that devotees have died in this unfortunate incident. I convey my deepest sympathies to the families of the victims,” he posted on X, directing officials to ensure treatment for the injured and supervise relief operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the deaths and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each from the PM National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those killed.
