Tragedy Strikes Rath Yatra: 3 Dead, 50 Injured in Stampede Near Puri’s Gundicha Temple

NDC DESK

PURI, ODISHA: A tragic stampede near Puri’s Gundicha Temple during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra claimed three lives and left at least 50 others injured in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The incident occurred around 4:00 to 5:00 AM at Saradhabali, a crowded area adjacent to the temple, as thousands of devotees gathered to witness the revered deities on their ceremonial chariots. Authorities say the overwhelming rush of weekend pilgrims triggered the stampede.

Officials at the Puri district headquarters hospital confirmed the identities of the deceased as Premakanta Mohanty (80), Basanti Sahoo (36), and Prabhati Das (42). Six of the injured are reported to be in critical condition and are receiving intensive medical care.

The annual Rath Yatra draws massive crowds from across India and beyond, often making crowd control a significant challenge for local administration and security forces. Authorities are investigating the exact circumstances that led to the stampede and are working to ensure better crowd management as the festival continues.