Stampede at Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati; 4 killed, several injured

At least four people died and several others sustained injuries in a stampede near Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati during the distribution of Vaikunta Dwara Sarva Darshan tokens.

“Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep shock over the death of the devotees in the stampede that took place near Vishnu Niwasam in Tirupati during the distribution of darshan tokens at Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara,” the CMO said in a statement.

CM Naidu spoke to officials over the phone about the treatment being provided to the injured, the statement added.

CM Naidu has ordered higher officials to go to the scene of the incident and take relief measures.

Visuals showed hundreds of devotees jostling for tickets for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills.

The devotees had turned up from across the country for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam commencing from January 10.

Three women are among the deceased.

Videos of police personnel administering CPR on a couple of woman devotees and injured persons being shifted in ambulances were being circulated on the internet.