New Delhi: In the worst-ever temple tragedy in Himachal Pradesh, 145 devotees, including 30 children, were killed and more than 50 injured on Sunday in a stampede at the Naina Devi shrine triggered by rumours of a landslide.
News agencies report an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 pilgrims had gathered at the temple, 160 km from state capital Shimla, to offer prayers when the railing on way to the sanctum sanctorum gave way, resulting in stampede.
The crowd had gathered on the second day of the 10-day Sharavan Ashtami fair that began on Saturday.
A few minutes after the stampede, the road leading to the temple presented a horrific scene as motionless bodies of children, women and men, some of them clutching offerings they had brought for the deity, lay along the narorw road.
Distraught relatives were seen pouring over the bodies to locate their separated kins.
As rains continued, relief workers comprising of temple staff and residents of the area found it difficult to help the injured and carry them to neatest medical aid centre.
Deputy Commissioner, Bilaspur, CP Verma confirmed that more than 60 pilgrims had been killed and feared the toll could go up.
Speaking to CNN-IBN Verma also said rescue operations began almost immediately after the incident was reported and the injured were rushed to the nearby Anandpur hospital.
Earlier, ruling BJP legislator of the area, Randhir Sharma, confirmed to agencies that more than 50 people were killed.
Meanwhile, Haryana Governor Dr A R Kidwai and Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident that took place near Naina Devi Temple.
Temple officials said between 20,000 and 25,000 devotees were at the temple, a turnout much higher than the usual 10,000 to 15,000 due to the Navaratra festival, when the incident took place.
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