Lakhisarai (Rajeev Sharma): A major crowd-related incident at Ashokdham Temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai claimed six lives and left several people injured on Monday morning, officials said. The incident took place as a large number of devotees gathered at the temple.
According to district authorities, the crowd increased sharply during the early morning hours, creating pressure around the area where barricades had been installed to regulate the movement of devotees.
Barricade Gives Way Amid Heavy Crowd
Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar said the administration had anticipated a substantial turnout and had made arrangements accordingly. However, the gathering became unusually large.
The situation was further complicated when two trains arrived near the temple between 6:30 am and 6:45 am, bringing additional people to the area.
Officials said a portion of the barricading eventually collapsed under the pressure of the crowd. People reportedly fell over one another, triggering panic and a rush in the area.
Administration Launches Immediate Response
As soon as information about the incident reached the authorities, teams were rushed to the temple. The district administration said around 10 to 15 people were initially moved from the affected area as rescue and relief efforts began.
Several injured people were taken for medical attention. Officials continued to assess the situation and coordinate emergency measures at the site.
Crowd Management Under Scrutiny
The incident has raised questions about crowd-control arrangements at the temple, particularly given the sudden increase in the number of devotees.
Authorities are examining the circumstances that led to the barricade failure and the subsequent crowd surge. The movement of people following the arrival of the two trains is also expected to form part of the assessment.
With six fatalities confirmed, officials are continuing relief operations while further details about the injured and the circumstances surrounding the deaths are awaited.
