Bihar. A tragic accident took place in the famous Ashokdham temple located in Lakhisarai on Monday morning. During Sawan, a stampede broke out near Ashokdham Halt railway station amid the huge crowd that gathered for the darshan of Lord Shiva and for Jalabhishek. At least seven devotees died in the accident, while 14 others are said to be injured. There is an atmosphere of mourning in the entire area after the incident.
Situation worsened after barricading broke-
According to officials, a huge crowd of devotees had gathered near Ashokdham Halt at around 6:30 am on Monday. Meanwhile, under the pressure of the crowd, a part of the barricading broke. After this there was chaos and devotees started falling on each other. Within no time a stampede situation occurred.
As soon as information about the accident was received, police and district administration teams reached the spot. Relief and rescue operations were started and the injured were immediately taken to nearby government hospitals.
14 devotees injured, process of identification continues-
14 devotees injured in the accident are undergoing treatment in hospitals. The dead and injured are being identified by the administration. At the same time, after the incident, security arrangements have been further increased in Ashokdham.
Teams of officials are also investigating the cause of the accident and the arrangements made to control the crowd.
CM Samrat Chaudhary expressed deep sorrow-
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary described the accident as extremely sad and heartbreaking. Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, he has instructed the officials for proper and prompt treatment of the injured.
The government has announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the devotees who lost their lives in the accident.
PM Modi also expressed grief-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep sorrow over the stampede that took place in Ashokdham of Lakhisarai. He expressed condolences to the families of the devotees who lost their lives in the accident and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Prime Minister said that the local administration is providing all possible help to the affected people.
Nitish Kumar also expressed condolences-
Former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also expressed grief over the incident and said that the incident of stampede in Ashokdham temple is very sad. He expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.