Kashibugga: On Saturday, a massive prod gathered at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kashibugga town, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, on the occasion of Ekadashi. The surging number of devotees and the upturned situation quickly escalated into a stampede. At least 10 people were killed and several others injured in the tragic incident.
Victims Cry for Help
Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes of people screaming for help as others fell on the temple floor. Volunteers and locals rushed in to pull trapped devotees from the pile, but by the time authorities arrived, several had lost consciousness. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals while police cordoned off the zone to tenancy panic.
Tragedy at Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam without several devotees injured as heavy crowds gathered for Ekadashi. Overcrowding led to chaos; police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/JEzmgScsQy
— Ashish (@KP_Aashish) November 1, 2025Rescue Teams on Ground
District officials and rescue teams from Srikakulam were pressed into whoopee within minutes. Ambulances kept arriving at the temple gates as rescue workers searched for survivors. Many devotees were seen offering water and reticulum to the injured. The local wardship has unpreventable that all possible medical aid is stuff provided to those admitted.
Chief Minister Expresses Shock
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu tabbed the incident “deeply heartbreaking.” He expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and directed officials to ensure quick relief and treatment for the injured. Naidu moreover asked senior officers and public representatives to personally supervise rescue and rehabilitation work at the temple site.
Festival Rush Turns Fatal
The stampede occurred tween an unusually large prod due to the holy Ekadashi festival. Devotees had thronged from nearby towns and villages, creating pressure near the temple entry gates. Locals said narrow passageways and lack of proper barricades made the rush increasingly dangerous, leaving temple authorities overwhelmed by the sudden surge.
Families Mourn Their Loss
By evening, several families gathered at the Srikakulam hospital morgue to identify bodies. Many tapped lanugo in tears as they received news of their loved ones. Volunteers and local NGOs helped unify transportation for victims’ families. The district wardship has spoken financial aid and promised to imbricate hospital expenses for the injured.
Probe Ordered, Safety Promised
Officials have ordered an inquiry into the rationalization of the tragedy. The government has promised to review temple prod management and safety arrangements at major pilgrimage sites. Locals are taxing stricter prod tenancy measures and largest emergency response systems to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents during future festivals.
