Bihar Tragedy: Seven Devotees Killed, Several Injured In Stampede At Lakhisarai's Ashok Dham Temple

Lakhisarai: At least seven devotees were killed and more than a dozen were injured in a stampede at Ashok Dham Temple in Lakhisarai, Bihar on Monday when an electric wire was reportedly snapped, triggering a panic of the crowd. The incident occurred during the third Monday of the Shravan month. 

Where did the incident happen?

A stampede at Ashokdham temple in Lakhisarai in Bihar's Narkati, Monday morning, killed at least seven people and injured several others. The incident happened at around 6:45 am when a large number of devotees gathered at the Shiva temple to offer prayers on the third Monday of the holy Shravan month

Four out of the seven victims were identified as Hemlata Devi, Lalita Devi, Rinku Devi and Manmala Devi. Efforts are on to identify the three others.

What is the reason of stampede?

According to initial information, the falling wire sparked panic among devotees, following which a stampede broke out at the temple premises.

During that time, some were caught in the rush and injured, and later were taken to the Lakhisarai hospital for treatment.

What did the officials say?

In his statement, Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar explained that the preparations had been made and a large crowd of people was expected, but the crowd turned "unprecedented. The DM said that a portion of the barricade collapsed under the crowd, leading to people falling over each other.

We were informed that barricades were erected on one side because of the number of people and this resulted in a fall on one another. Immediately we rushed 10-15 people here, Kumar said.

What did Bihar CM say?

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said the loss of life was "extremely heart-wrenching and tragic.

He offered condolences to the families of the deceased and that the government had been instructed to treat the wounded properly and promptly.