In a devastating series of events that has shaken Andhra Pradesh, three separate temple tragedies unfolded within 24 hours, claiming 22 lives and leaving nearly 100 people injured across the state.
Triple Tragedy Timeline
The catastrophic sequence began on Saturday when multiple religious gatherings turned fatal, exposing critical safety gaps at places of worship.
Stampede at Sri Venkateswara Temple
The first incident occurred at Sri Venkateswara Temple in Kurnool district, where a massive stampede during a special prayer ceremony resulted in 11 fatalities and over 60 injuries. Witnesses reported that overcrowding and sudden panic triggered the deadly crush as thousands of devotees gathered for the evening darshan.
Structural Collapse in Vijayawada
Simultaneously, in Vijayawada, a temporary structure erected for a temple festival collapsed without warning, killing 7 worshippers and injuring 25 others. The makeshift gallery, designed to accommodate additional devotees during a special puja, gave way under the weight of the crowd, trapping numerous people beneath the debris.
Electrical Fire in Tirupati
Adding to the grim tally, an electrical short circuit triggered a massive fire at a temple in Tirupati, claiming 4 lives and leaving 15 with severe burn injuries. The blaze rapidly spread through decorative materials and temporary electrical installations, creating chaos during the peak visiting hours.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
Local authorities launched massive rescue operations across all three locations, with emergency services working through the night to extract victims and provide medical assistance. The injured have been admitted to multiple government and private hospitals across the affected districts.
Critical observations from the incidents:
- Severe overcrowding beyond temple capacity limits
- Inadequate safety measures and emergency exits
- Lack of proper crowd management systems
- Faulty temporary structures and electrical installations
Government Response and Investigation
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for families of the deceased and free medical treatment for all injured victims. The state government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into all three incidents and promised strict action against those responsible for safety lapses.
This tragic series of events has raised serious questions about safety protocols at religious institutions across India, particularly during peak festival seasons when temples witness unprecedented footfalls.
