President Droupadi Murmu expressed her sorrow regarding the fatalities resulting from a stampede that occurred in Lakhisarai district, Bihar. The unfortunate event took place on August 17, as numerous devotees congregated at the Ashok Dham Temple to participate in rituals associated with the holy month of Sawan. In her message, President Murmu described the news as “extremely heartbreaking” and offered her condolences to the families impacted by this incident.

She also extended her prayers for the rapid recovery of those who were injured during the stampede. “I express my deepest condolences to the grief-stricken families,” she stated in her post on X. The stampede unfolded amidst an overwhelming turnout of worshippers, drawn to engage in prayers and the ritual known as Jalabhishek dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Details of the Stampede Incident

Preliminary reports indicate that at least seven devotees lost their lives, with over a dozen others sustaining injuries and requiring urgent medical attention. The stampede reportedly transpired as the queue of devotees extended towards Ashok Dham Halt, where two trains had come to a stop. A sudden mishap triggered chaos when an electric pole near the queue collapsed. This incident led to widespread apprehension among the devotees.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that a rumour spread among the crowd, alleging that a live wire had fallen amidst the worshippers. However, it was later clarified that the pole was carrying a non-live cable wire. This misinformation incited panic, which resulted in women in the queue falling over each other within a matter of moments, intensifying the chaos.

The stampede incident unfolded rapidly, with most of the turmoil occurring over a span of barely two minutes. The district administration has dispatched police personnel to the scene since approximately 3 am to manage the situation and provide support.

Emergency Response and Ongoing Investigations

In a prompt response to the situation, emergency services, including ambulances, were present near the Ashok Dham Temple during the incident. Injured individuals were quickly transported to Sadar Hospital and other nearby medical facilities for necessary treatment. Local authorities are actively working to gather further details concerning the incident and ascertain the total number of injured individuals.

The district administration has stated that they are fully committed to understanding the circumstances surrounding the stampede and ensuring that such incidents do not reoccur in the future. Investigations are underway to clarify the exact sequence of events that led to the tragic outcome and to evaluate the safety measures in place at the temple premises.

As the community mourns the tragic loss of life, officials are urging the public to remain calm and stay informed through official announcements. The prompt provision of medical care and investigation into the causes of the stampede remain priorities for the local government.

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