Indian Temple Apologises After Six killed In Crush

The Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh has apologised after six people were killed and dozens more injured in a crush as they queued for tickets to a festival which attracts millions each year.

The incident happened on Wednesday night after thousands gathered at the Tirupati temple in southern Andhra Pradesh state.

Video showed a swell of people jostling while the tickets were being distributed at counters set up by temple authorities.

Officials in the state have said strict action will be taken against temple employees who are found responsible for the tragedy.

BR Naidu, chairman of the temple’s trust, said that the crush was caused by “overcrowding”.

“It is an unfortunate incident,” he told local media on Wednesday.

Bhanu Prakash Reddy, a board member of the trust, apologised for the incident.

“To distribute tokens, we opened 91 counters… it is unfortunate that the stampede happened,” he said. “This has never happened in the history of the temple. I sincerely seek an apology from the devotees.”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has expressed his sorrow over the incident – he is due to visit the temple later on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “pained” by the incident and assured those affected that the state government would offer them “all possible assistance”.

The Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh is one of Hinduism’s most sacred shrines. Dedicated to Hindu god Sri Venkateswara – popularly known as Balaji – the temple owns assets worth tens of billions of dollars and is one of the richest in India.

Millions attend the festival every year, with attendance reaching two to three million on some days.

On Wednesday, thousands gathered to receive tickets for the festival – which begins on 10 January – at more than 90 counters set up by the temple.

Accidents are routinely reported at religious events in India, as huge crowds gather in tight spaces with little adherence to safety measures.

Last year, more than 120 people were crushed to death at a religious event in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

BBC/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma