(MENAFN- Live Mint) At least 10 people were reportedly killed in a stampede at the Venkateswara Temple in Kashibugga in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district on Saturday, with several leaders from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu taking expressing their grief at the tragedy.

Stampede in Andhra Pradesh temple leaves several dead.

The stampede was a result of a huge rush of devotees on Ekadashi.

Videos shared on social media showed massive overcrowding in the premises of the temple, with hundreds of devotees jostling on the staircase of the temple.

Several bodies were also reportedly seen lying across the temple premises and efforts are underway to identify those who lost their lives.

Police have rushed to the spot and the situation is currently under control.

'Deep sorrow' has gripped Andhra Pradesh

Commenting on the tragedy, Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu called it a“shock”.

“The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” wrote the CM on X.

“I have instructed the officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those who have been injured. I have requested the local officials and public representatives to visit the site of the incident and oversee the relief measures,” he added.

Nara Lokesh, Naidu's son and a minister in the Andhra Pradesh government, also expressed his shock.

“The stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple has caused the deaths of several devotees, plunging us into profound shock. A deep sorrow has gripped us on this Ekadashi day. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives,” Lokesh wrote on X.

“The government is providing better medical treatment to those injured in the stampede. As soon as the information was received, I spoke with the officials, Minister Achchennaidu from the district, and local MLA Gauthu Shirish. I have instructed that immediate assistance be provided to the affected individuals,” the minister added.

The state's Governor, S Abdul Nazeer, also expressed anguish at the tragedy.

“Governor of Andhra Pradesh Sri S. Abdul Nazeer expressed anguish and profound grief on the death of nine pilgrims in the stampede that took place in Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Kasibugga in Srikakulam district, on Saturday, due to heavy rush of pilgrims,” the Governor's office wrote in a post on X.

“Governor Sri Abdul Nazeer offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and directed the district administration to provide better medical care to the injured pilgrims,” the Governor's statement added.

Bandi Sanjay Kumar, the chief of the Telangana unit of the BJP, also expressed his grief at the stampede.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, which claimed innocent lives of devotees and left several others injured,” wrote the Telangana BJP President on X.

“My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he added.

Ex-gratia announced

As news of the stampede reached Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the PM's office issued a statement announcing ex-gratia for those killed and injured.

“Pained by the stampede in Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon,” said the statement from Modi.

An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each from PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives, while thous injured will receive ₹50,000, the PMO announced.

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