India: 12 Dead, 13 Injured in Stampede at Vaishno Devi Shrine

At least 12 people were killed and 13 others injured in a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Katra early on Saturday.

The stampede was triggered by a heavy rush of devotees on the first day of the new year, according to news agency PTI.

Accordingly, the pilgrimage to the holy shrine has been suspended after the tragic incident.

“12 dead, 13 injured in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra. The incident occurred around 2:45 am, and as per initial reports, an argument broke out which resulted in people pushing each other, followed by stampede,” Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Dilbagh Singh told News Agency ANI.

On his part, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief at the incident and announced an "ex-gratia" for the families of those killed.

https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1477092792845230085

In response, the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a rescue operation soon after the stampede was reported.

Meantime, the injured have been admitted to various hospitals, including Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, according to reports. The condition of many of the injured was stated to be “serious”