Hours after the stampede in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati last evening, eyewitnesses recalled the horror of the incident that killed at least six people.
A woman who went to Tirupati with 20 family members said the stampede broke out due to the overwhelming crush of pilgrims when the police opened the gates for token distribution. There was no such system for obtaining tokens earlier, she said.
The woman - six of her family members were injured - claimed that a large number of men rushed for tokens, which caused injuries to several women.
"A stampede occurred due to the heavy rush. As soon as the Police officials opened the gate, the pilgrims rushed to purchase tokens," she told reporters.
"We joined the queue at 11 AM. While we were waiting in the queue, we were given milk and biscuits. However, a large number of male pilgrims rushed for tokens, causing injuries to several women, who were then shifted to the hospital," she added.
A man who lost his wife in the stampede said she was trying to get Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets.
"While my wife and others were trying to obtain Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets, a stampede occurred, resulting in her death. I have informed our relatives and they are on their way...," he told reporters.
Six died and many were injured when the stampede broke out near Vishnu Nivasam, according to officials from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
The incident occurred near Vishnu Niwasam close to the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter, during the distribution of 'darshan' tokens.
As per the statement from the office of TTD Chairman BR Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is closely monitoring the incident and will meet the families of the victims of the stampede today.
"It is an unfortunate event, 6 pilgrims lost their lives. So far, only one pilgrim has been identified, while the others are yet to be identified. N Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is very serious about the incident and has expressed dissatisfaction with the officials' management during a teleconference. The Chief Minister will visit the families of the deceased tomorrow at 11:45 am. The Chief Minister has warned that such incidents should not be repeated and is closely monitoring updates on the issue", the statement said.
