Agencies | Lakhisarai:
At least seven devotees were killed and more than a dozen others injured after a stampede broke out at the Ashok Dham Temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district on Monday morning, officials said.
The incident occurred during the third Somwari of Sawan, when a large number of devotees had gathered at the temple to offer prayers and perform jalabhishek (water offering) to Lord Shiva.
According to preliminary information, around 50,000 devotees were present at the temple amid heavy crowds when the stampede broke out, triggering panic and chaos on the temple premises.
Officials said all the injured reported so far are women, with several of them said to be in serious condition.
The injured devotees were rushed to Lakhisarai Sadar Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.
Following the incident, administrative officials and teams from the Health Department reached the temple and launched relief and medical assistance operations.
Authorities have intensified crowd-control measures and are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further incidents and maintain order around the temple premises.
The exact circumstances that led to the stampede are yet to be established. Further details regarding the casualties and condition of those injured are awaited as rescue and relief operations continue.
