Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is set to meet the families of the Tirupati stampede victims on Thursday.
Six pilgrims lost their lives, and over 40 others were injured in a stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday evening. Following the tragedy, eyewitnesses and victims’ families recounted harrowing experiences, revealing the chaos that unfolded during the fatal incident.
An eyewitness, who was with her family of 20 during the incident, described the chaos that ensued when police opened the gates for token distribution near the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticket counter.
“The stampede happened due to the heavy rush. As soon as police officials opened the gates, pilgrims surged forward to obtain tokens. There was no such system for getting tokens earlier. Out of my 20 family members, six were injured,” she told PTI.
She added, “We joined the queue at 11 o’clock. While waiting, we were given milk and biscuits. However, a large group of male pilgrims rushed for tokens, injuring several women, who were later taken to the hospital.”
Among the victims of the Tirupati stampede was Mallika, whose husband recounted the tragic moment when she was caught in the deadly crowd surge during the ritual.
“While my wife and others were trying to obtain Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets, a stampede occurred, leading to her death. I have informed our relatives, and they are on their way,” he said.
TTD Responds to Tirupati Stampede
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) confirmed on Thursday that six pilgrims lost their lives in the incident and assured that authorities are actively monitoring the situation.
“It is an unfortunate event. Six pilgrims have died. So far, only one victim has been identified, while the others remain unidentified,” the TTD statement read.
The statement also highlighted Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s response to the tragedy. “The Chief Minister has expressed serious dissatisfaction with the officials’ management during a teleconference. He is closely monitoring updates and has warned that such incidents must not be repeated. CM Naidu will meet the families of the deceased tomorrow at 11:45 am,” it added.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to meet the families of the stampede victims later today.
