The toll in the Chamunda Temple near Jodhpur stampede has risen to 179 and hundreds others injured on Tuesday, officials said.
Severe overcrowding apparently caused the crush as more than 12,000 people gathered at the temple to celebrate Navaratra festival, Jodhpur Police Superintendent Malini Agarwal said. At least 168 people were killed in the stampede, said Naresh Pal Gangwar, the district collector.
Thousands had gathered at the temple at dawn on Tuesday to mark the first day of Navratra, a nine-day Hindu festival to honour the Mother Goddess.
The stampede apparently began as false rumors of a bomb spread among the crowd, said Ramesh Vyas, a pilgrim who was standing in line
“Several people fell down as the floor became slippery with thousands of devotees breaking coconuts for offering at the temple,” said Vyas
“When I arrived, I saw chaos, people running around the place. I was looking for my friend and after a while found him,” local student Manish said.
“He was unconscious but without serious injuries.”
The authorities have ordered an investigation into the incident. — Agencies
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