Andhra Pradesh News: Six pilgrims tragically lost their lives, and over 40 others sustained injuries during a stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday evening. This incident unfolded near Vishnu Niwasam, close to the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter, as chaos erupted when police opened the gates for token distribution.Eyewitness Accounts of ChaosEyewitnesses recounted harrowing experiences that led to the deadly rush. One witness, who was with a family group of 20, described how the stampede began when the police opened the gates for token distribution. A stampede occurred due to the heavy rush. As soon as the police officials opened the gate, the pilgrims rushed to purchase tokens.There was no such system for obtaining tokens earlier, she stated. Among her family members, six were injured in the chaos. The group had been waiting since 11 AM and were provided with milk and biscuits while they waited. However, the sudden surge of male pilgrims seeking tokens caused injuries to several women, necessitating their transfer to a hospital.Victims RememberedAmong those who perished was Mallika, whose husband shared his grief over her death during the incident. While my wife and others were trying to obtain Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets, a stampede occurred, resulting in her death, he lamented. His family is now left grappling with this tragic loss.TTDs ResponseThe Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) confirmed the fatalities and expressed their condolences. It is an unfortunate event six pilgrims lost their lives. So far, only one pilgrim has been identified, they reported. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed serious concerns regarding the management of the situation during a teleconference and will visit the families of the deceased. The Chief Minister has warned that such incidents should not be repeated and is closely monitoring updates on the issue, TTD stated.As investigations continue into this tragic event, both authorities and families are left to cope with the aftermath of a chaotic day that resulted in unnecessary loss of life. The community calls for improved safety measures to prevent such incidents in future pilgrimages.
