Bihar: Stampede at Lakhisarai’s Ashok Dham Temple Kills Seven, Several Injured

Ashok Dham Temple: Screams broke out at Bihar's famous Ashok Dham Temple in Lakhisarai on Monday after a stampede broke out amid a heavy crowd of devotees. Initial reports from the incident stated that seven people had died, while several other devotees were reported injured. SDPO Shivam Kumar confirmed the incident to news agency ANI. Following the accident, a chaotic atmosphere took hold in the temple premises and surrounding area.

The heavy crowd that had gathered for the 'jalabhishek' to Lord Shiva on the third Monday of Sawan turned to mourning within moments. Chaos suddenly broke out near the well-known Ashok Dham Temple in Lakhisarai, Bihar, on Monday morning. A rumour of an electric current spreading from a power pole, combined with the pressure of the crowd, worsened the situation. After barricades broke, devotees fell on top of one another. Early reports indicated that seven devotees had died and several others were injured.

According to eyewitnesses, a large number of those affected in the accident were women. Amid the screaming, local residents and fellow devotees began trying to pull out people who were trapped under the crush. Police and administrative officials reached the spot as soon as they were informed. The injured were sent to Lakhisarai Sadar Hospital, where treatment began. Doctors are keeping those seriously injured under observation.

According to the Lakhisarai district administration, the number of devotees suddenly rose between around 6:30 am and 7 am. The administration said arrangements had already been made for crowd control, but the situation worsened due to unexpected pressure. Following the accident, additional police forces were deployed and movement in the temple area was brought under control.