Six people lost their lives, and more than 20 sustained critical injuries in a stampede at Tirupati on the evening of January 8, 2025. The incident occurred as thousands of devotees scrambled to secure tickets for the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival scheduled at the Tirumala temple on January 10.
B.R. Naidu, Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board, confirmed the tragic event, citing overcrowding and inadequate arrangements as contributing factors. The TTD had established around 90 ticket counters across Tirupati, announcing that ticket distribution would begin at 5 a.m. on January 9. However, the massive turnout overwhelmed the facilities, leading to chaos, particularly at locations such as Vishnu Nivasam, Bairagipatteda, and Ramachandra Pushkarini.
Authorities struggled to manage the crowds, and the injured were swiftly transported to the Sri Venkateswara Ramnarain Ruia Hospital for medical treatment. The identities of the deceased and injured are yet to be officially confirmed.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, instructing officials to ensure the best possible care for the injured. He also demanded strict action against TTD employees found responsible for the inadequate arrangements, emphasizing accountability in the wake of the disaster.
