Video: 10 Killed in Tragic Stampede at Kashibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple During Andhra Pradesh Festival

Kashibugga: On Saturday, a massive crowd 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 chaotic situation quickly escalated into a stampede. At least 10 people were killed and several others injured in the tragic incident.

Why Was Major Safety Ignored at the Temple?

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 area to control panic.

Tragedy at Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam after 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, 2025

How Fast Did Rescue Begin?

District officials and rescue teams from Srikakulam were pressed into action within minutes. Ambulances kept arriving at the temple gates as rescue workers searched for survivors. Many devotees were seen offering water and cloth to the injured. The local administration has assured that all possible medical aid is being provided to those admitted.

What Steps Did CM Take?

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu called 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 also asked senior officers and public representatives to personally supervise rescue and rehabilitation work at the temple site.

How Did Faith Turn Fatal?

The stampede occurred amid an unusually large crowd 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 more dangerous, leaving temple authorities overwhelmed by the sudden surge.

How Are Families Coping Now?

By evening, several families gathered at the Srikakulam hospital morgue to identify bodies. Many broke down in tears as they received news of their loved ones. Volunteers and local NGOs helped arrange transportation for victims’ families. The district administration has announced financial aid and promised to cover hospital expenses for the injured.

Will Safety Improve After This?

Officials have ordered an inquiry into the cause of the tragedy. The government has promised to review temple crowd management and safety arrangements at major pilgrimage sites. Locals are demanding stricter crowd control measures and better emergency response systems to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents during future festivals.