President Murmu and PM Modi Express Condolences Following Tirupati Temple Stampede
In the wake of a tragic stampede at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased devotees. The incident, which occurred on January 8, 2025, resulted in at least six fatalities and numerous injuries among the gathered worshippers.
Details of the Incident
The stampede took place as police opened the temple gates to commence a 10-day festival, leading to a sudden surge of hundreds of devotees attempting to enter simultaneously. The overwhelming crowd movement caused chaos, resulting in the tragic loss of lives and injuries to dozens.
Official Responses
President Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “I am profoundly saddened by the loss of lives in the unfortunate stampede at Tirupati. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families during this difficult time.”
Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his condolences, remarking, “The news of the stampede at Tirupati temple is heart-wrenching. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives and pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”
Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, took to social media to express his grief, stating that the incident “grieved me intensely.”
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the stampede and assess the adequacy of safety measures in place during the festival. Preliminary reports suggest that the sudden influx of devotees and inadequate crowd control may have contributed to the tragedy.
Safety Measures and Public Advisory
In light of the incident, officials have urged devotees to remain calm and follow the guidance of security personnel during large gatherings. The temple administration is expected to review and enhance safety protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Background
The Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, attracting millions of devotees annually. The 10-day festival during which the stampede occurred is a significant event, drawing large crowds from across the country.
