27 killed in Godavari Pushkaram stampede
Rajahmundry, July 14 (INN): At least 27 people were killed and more than 60 others were injured on the inaugural day of 14-day Godavari Pushkaram in Rajahmundry of Andhra Pradesh here on Tuesday.
The stampede took place when the devotees rushed to take a holy dip in the river Godavari at Kotagummam Pushkar ghat in Rajamundry at the time of sunrise. The bodies of victims, all women, were shifted to Rajahmundry government hospital. The injured have been admitted to nearby government hospitals. The officials fear that the death toll might go up as the condition of some of the injured person is very critical.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has expressed grief at the tragedy. He said he was personally monitoring the relief and rescue operations. "This is very unfortunate and shocking. I have come here many times to review arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the event. But some problems have cropped up in execution," he said.
The State Government also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the family of the deceased.
News Posted: 14 July, 2015
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