Tirupati stampede: Gates open to chaos, congestion and massive crowd surge, killing 6

Chaos erupted in Andhra Pradesh's temple town of Tirupati on Wednesday evening as a stampede claimed six lives and left over 30 injured, some critically, during the issuance of Vaikunthadwara Sarvadarshan tokens. (Photo credit: PTI)

The incident unfolded around 8 pm when Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials began distributing tokens at various centres, including Vishnu Nivasam, Srinivasam and Padmavati Park. The situation spiraled out of control when overcrowding escalated as gates were opened to assist an unwell devotee out of the queue.
Devotees, many of whom had waited in line since morning, surged forward in large numbers, triggering severe congestion. Lacking effective crowd management, the rush resulted in stampedes at two locations. (Photo credit: PTI)

Eyewitnesses blamed poor crowd control for the disaster. "This tragedy could have been avoided if the post-Covid token system had been followed," said a devotee at Padmavathi Park holding area. Another survivor alleged that barely four police personnel were present when the gates opened, leading to chaos as thousands who had waited for hours surged forward. (Photo credit: PTI)

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed profound sorrow over the tragic stampede in Tirupati, which claimed six lives. "The incident, caused by a massive crowd surge during token distribution, is deeply disturbing," he said.
Naidu assured that he is in constant contact with district and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials, monitoring the situation. (Photo credit: PTI)

Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has called a review meeting. He is also due to meet the families of the deceased later in the day. TDP National Spokesperson Prem Kumar Jain stressed that the state government is taking steps to prevent Tirupati stampede-like incidents. (Photo credit: PTI)

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Additional Executive Officer Venkayya Chowdary on early Thursday morning visited the Sri Venkateswara Ramnarayan Ruia Government General Hospital in Tirupati to meet those injured in a tragic stampede. During the visit, Chowdhury interacted with patients and doctors, as shown in the visuals. (Photo credit: PTI)

In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister's Office wrote, "Pained by the stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. The AP Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected." (Photo credit: PTI)