Jagannath Rath Yatra: 3 dead, several others injured in stampede outside Puri’s Gundicha Temple

Hundreds of thousands of devotees have gathered in Puri for the annual Rath Yatra festival.

The incident occurred around 4-4:20 am on Saradhabali when a vehicle carrying ritual materials reportedly entered the crowd.

A large crowd had gathered for a darshan, and as the crowd swelled, some people fell and a stampede began.

Three people died on the spot. These include two women, Prabhati Das and Basanti Sahu, and 70-year-old Premakant Mohanty.

All three, it is learnt, are from Khurda district and had come to Puri for the Rath Yatra.

The Indian Express, quoting eyewitnesses, reported that there were no adequate police arrangements or officials on-site to manage the swelling number of pilgrims.

According to hospital officials, some of the injured were discharged after receiving primary treatment, while others remain hospitalised with serious injuries.

Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan told the media that he had briefed Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi about the incident.

“A probe will soon be initiated into the matter, and strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he said.

As part of the annual Rath Yatra, the chariots of the three principal deities reached Saradhabali on Saturday.

The ceremonial procession to the Gundicha Temple is scheduled for Sunday evening.