A crowd surge during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, on Thursday led to a stampede-like situation, leaving around 100 devotees injured. Preliminary reports indicate one individual is in critical condition following the incident.
The event unfolded on the Bada Danda (Grand Road), a central thoroughfare where millions of pilgrims had convened to witness the ceremonial pulling of the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. The sheer volume of attendees reportedly overwhelmed crowd control measures, leading to the crush.
Incident Details and Casualties
Initial accounts suggest that several devotees sustained injuries as the crowd surged. One person reportedly suffered from suffocation and collapsed, subsequently being rushed to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) where they remain in critical condition. Other injured pilgrims were transferred to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
While officials are still working to confirm the precise number of casualties, estimates place the injured count at approximately 100. Visuals from the scene depicted pilgrims assisting those who had fainted or were injured, carrying them away from the densely packed procession route.
About the Jagannath Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of India's most significant religious festivals, attracting devotees from across the globe each year. The elaborate procession involves moving the deities from the historic Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in specially decorated wooden chariots, a spectacle that draws immense crowds.
Investigation Underway
The exact cause of the stampede remains under official investigation. Authorities had deployed extensive security arrangements across Puri to manage the massive influx of devotees and ensure the peaceful conduct of the yatra. Despite these preparations, the unprecedented number of pilgrims ultimately contributed to the crowd crush. A detailed account of the circumstances leading to the incident is awaited as officials assess the situation.