Aug. 17 (UPI) — At least seven Hindu devotees were killed Monday morning in a crowd crush at a Shiva temple in eastern India, where tens of thousands had gathered to take part in a religious observance, according to reports.
The incident occurred near Ashok Dham, a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Lakhisarai during the holy month of Shravan, when Mondays are considered particularly auspicious for worship.
Preliminary information indicates that reports that a live wire from a fallen electricity pole electrocuted people queuing for Ashok Dham prompted people to panic and run for safety, causing a barricade to collapse and people to pile on top of one another, The New Indian Express reported.
Though at least seven had died, more than 10 people were seriously injured, All India Radio reported, and officials said the death toll is expected to rise.
The Lakhisarai District Magistrate said the crowd crush occurred at around 6:30 a.m. local time.
Samrat Choudhary, chief minister of Bihar, the state where Lakhisarai is located, described the incident at the temple as “extremely tragic and heart-wrenching.”
“The news of the deaths of devotees in the accident has left my heart deeply distressed,” he said in a social media statement.
“My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved families.”
A grant of about $4,184 is to be given to the immediate dependents of the dead, he said.
“In this hour of grief, the state government stands in complete solidarity and commitment with the bereaved families,” he added.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh similarly said he was “deeply saddened” by the deaths.
“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of all those who lost their lives in this heart-wrenching incident,” he said online.
“I pray for the swift recovery of the injured. May God grant patience and strength to all those affected by this tragedy during this difficult time.”
