HYDERABAD: Six people died in a stampede at the famous Tirumala Tirupati temple. Many were seriously injured. The tragic incident took place this evening in the Tirupati Vishnu Nivasam area. The injured were admitted to the nearby Ruia Hospital.

The accident occurred during the distribution of Vaikuntha Ekadashi coupons. The accident happened when people suddenly rushed in while trying to open the coupon distribution counter. Footage of people running away from the spot in panic has also emerged. Three of the dead are women. One of them has been identified as Mallika, a resident of Salem, Tamil Nadu. Following the accident, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu contacted Tirupati Devasthanam authorities. The Chief Minister directed to depute more police officers at the spot. Strict instructions were also given to ensure immediate treatment to the injured.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is celebrated in Tirupati on January 10. 90 counters were opened for the distribution of coupons for Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan as part of this.