At least three people lost their lives and several others were injured in a stampede during a religious festival in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, local media reported on Sunday.
According to The Times of India, the tragic incident occurred near the Gundicha Temple in the city of Puri between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. local time, during the early hours of the festival. The gathering had drawn large crowds, as thousands of devotees assembled for the annual celebrations.
The Odisha state Law Minister has announced a high-level investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stampede. Authorities are working to identify the victims and provide medical assistance to the injured.
The festival, one of the most significant religious events in the region, often attracts massive footfall, prompting concerns over crowd control and safety measures.
Stampedes during large public gatherings remain a persistent challenge in India, where crowd management infrastructure often struggles to cope with the sheer volume of attendees.
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