Stampede at Indian temple leaves nine dead, several injured

HYDERABAD, Nov 1 — At least nine people were killed and 18 injured in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam city early today, officials said.

The tragedy occurred when about 25,000 devotees crowded into the temple, which can hold only 2,000, during the Ekadashi festival.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said an inquiry will be launched, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation of 200,000 rupees (RM9,458) for each victim’s family and 50,000 rupees for the injured. — Reuters