3 Killed, 50 Hurt in Puri Rath Yathra Stampede

Six of injured critical as DC, SP transferred, two police officers suspended

- AGENCIES

At least three persons, including two women, were killed and around 50 others injured in a stampede near Shree Gundicha Temple in Odisha's Puri on Sunday morning, officials said.

The incident took place around 4 am when thousands of devotees gathered near the temple to witness Rath Yatra festivities, they said.

The injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital, and the condition of six people is stated to be critical.

"Out of the 50 injured, six are still unconscious and their condition is very serious," an official of the medical facility, where they are undergoing treatment, said.

Chaos ensued after two trucks carrying materials for rituals reportedly entered the crowded spot near the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities.

Devotees in large numbers had assembled outside the temple since the early hours to catch a glimpse of the deities when the 'Pahuda' (cloth) covering their faces was to be removed, as part of the rituals, the officials said.

The deceased were identified as Basanti Sahu (36) from Bolagarh, and Premakant Mohanty (80) and Pravati Das (42) from Balipatna.

Their bodies have been handed over to family members, and the cremation will take place at 'Swargadwar' in Puri.