Seven women killed in stampede at Bihar’s Ashokdham Temple

At least seven people, all women, died and 14 were injured in a stampede at the Ashokdham Temple in Lakhisarai district, Bihar, on Monday morning amid the Sawan rush. The incident occurred around 6.30-6.45 am when a section of barricades collapsed under the pressure of the crowd, causing people to fall on top of each other, officials said. Two trains arriving at the nearby Ashokdham halt railway station added to the unprecedented crowd.

Different accounts emerged about the trigger. Lakhisarai DM Shailendra Kumar told ANI that the barricade broke due to the crowd. Some reports, cited by Times Now, said a rumour that an electric pole had fallen and electrocuted people caused panic. An eyewitness told PTI that 10-12 women pushed into the queue, causing others to fall. SDPO Shivam Kumar said the exact cause will be confirmed after verification. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced Rs 4 lakh ex gratia for the kin of each deceased and ordered proper treatment for the injured.

A detailed investigation has been launched into the incident.