At least seven devotees were killed and more than 12 others injured in a stampede at the Ashok Dham temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district on Monday morning, officials said. The death toll could rise as rescue and relief operations continue.
The incident took place amid a heavy rush of devotees who had gathered to offer holy water to Lord Shiva on the third Monday, or ‘Somwari’, of the Shravan month.
Stampede Breaks Out Amid Heavy Crowd
According to preliminary information, the incident occurred on the road connecting Ashok Dham railway station to the temple. Thousands of devotees were reportedly waiting in queues to enter the temple when panic broke out.
Officials said an electricity pole had fallen on the route a few hours earlier. Reports suggested that the pole came into contact with the crowd, after which rumours of electric shocks spread and triggered panic among devotees.
A devotee who was present at the spot said the crowd began running after news spread that the fallen pole had caused electric shocks.
The situation worsened when barricades collapsed, causing several devotees to fall over one another.
Lakhisarai District Magistrate said he had been at the site since around 3.30 am and that the crowd increased sharply around 6.30 am.
“A little later, we learnt that people had fallen on one another after the barricading on the side of the field broke,” the district magistrate said.
Police, Administration Begin Rescue Operation
Sub-Divisional Police Officer Shivam Kumar confirmed the deaths and said police and district administration officials had reached the temple.
“At least six devotees died in the stampede at Ashok Dham Temple in Lakhisarai on Monday morning. Police personnel and officials of the district administration have reached the spot, and the rescue work is on,” Kumar said.
A later update from officials put the death toll at seven. Most of those who gathered at the temple were reportedly women.
The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while authorities are continuing rescue and relief operations at the site.
CM Announces ₹4 Lakh Compensation
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed grief over the deaths and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh for the family of each deceased devotee.
“The incident at Ashok Dham in Lakhisarai is tragic and heartbreaking. It has deeply saddened me. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” Choudhary said.
He added that the administration had been instructed to ensure proper and prompt medical treatment for those injured.
“May God grant peace to the departed souls and a speedy recovery to those who have been injured,” the chief minister said.
Second Major Temple Stampede in Bihar This Year
The Lakhisarai tragedy comes around five months after another deadly temple stampede in Bihar.
On March 31, nine devotees, including eight women, were killed at the Maghra Sheetla Temple in Nalanda district after more than 25,000 people gathered for darshan on the last Tuesday of the Chaitra month.
