Quotes
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. CM has warned that such incidents should not be repeated and is closely monitoring updates on the issue,
the TTD statement read
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 saidPained by the stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones,
his office quoted him as saying
To distribute tokens for 'Ekadasi Darshan', we opened 91 counters... it is unfortunate that a stampede happened. This has never happened in TTD history. I sincerely seek an apology from the devotees,
TTD Board Member Bhanu Prakash Reddy said
A stampede occurred due to the heavy rush. As soon as the police officials opened the gate, the pilgrims rushed to purchase tokens. There was no such system for obtaining tokens earlier. Out of twenty members of my family, six have been injured. We joined the queue at 11 o'clock. While waiting in the queue, we were provided with milk and biscuits. However, a large number of male pilgrims rushed for tokens, causing injuries to several women,
she saidA few devotees dying in a stampede near Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati while trying for Vaikuna Dwara Darsanam has grieved me intensely."
Mourning the loss of lives, the chief minister said
The Tirumala temple is situated atop a hill. The stampede occurred in Tirupati town down the hill where thousands of people had gathered to collect tokens for offering prayers at the temple on Friday which marks the special and auspicious occasion called Vaikuntha Ekadashi,
said the local official
In the wake of information that the condition of some of them is critical, I have directed higher officials to go to the spot and take relief measures... to provide better medical treatment to the injured and save their lives. I am talking to the district and TTD officials from time to time and am taking stock of the situation,
he addedA DSP opened the gates…and immediately everybody pushing ahead led to this stampede and reports are emerging that six persons died,
the TTD head was quoted as saying by a local news channelThis resulted in a stampede-like situation, as the pilgrims surged forward towards the counters to get the tokens,
the official added, requesting anonymityThe CM directed us that these kind of incidents should not occur in future,
he saidAndhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep shock over the death of 6 devotees in the stampede that took place near Vishnu Niwasam in Tirupati for darshan tokens at Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara,
the Andhra Pradesh CMO said
Three women and one man died in the stampede,
the officials saidThe CM is keeping abreast of the current situation by speaking to district and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials from time to time,
it added