Tragedy Strikes Puri Rath Yatra: Three Dead, Over 50 Injured in Stampede

PURI ( Odisha )-  A devastating stampede during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra near Gundicha Temple in Puri claimed the lives of three devotees and left over 50 others injured, six critically, early this morning. The incident occurred around 4:00–4:30 AM as thousands gathered to witness the chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, a highlight of the world-renowned festival.

The deceased have been identified as Prabhati Das (42), Basanti Sahu (36), both from Bolagarh, and Premakant Mohanty (70) from Balipatna, all residents of Khurda district. According to eyewitnesses, the stampede was triggered when two trucks carrying ritual materials entered a densely packed area near the chariots, sparking panic and chaos. Devotees reportedly fell over one another, with inadequate crowd control measures and a delayed response from police and rescue teams worsening the situation.

Also Read- Kolkata Law Student Gang-Rape Case Sparks Outrage, Four Arrested

A local resident, described the scene as chaotic, stating, “There was no proper crowd management, and no immediate help arrived.” Another eyewitness, who lost his wife in the tragedy, criticized the absence of administrative oversight, saying, “The police and authorities were nowhere to be seen when the crowd went out of control.”

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi termed the incident “unpardonable” and sought forgiveness from devotees, promising a thorough investigation into security lapses and strict action against those responsible. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned the state government’s “incompetence,” calling for accountability to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.

Also Read- American Airlines Plane Catches Fire, Returns to Airport

 Puri District Collector Siddharth S. Swain confirmed that post-mortem examinations are underway for the deceased, while the injured are receiving treatment at a local hospital. Odisha DGP Y.B. Khurania visited the site to assess the situation.

The tragedy has cast a shadow over the ongoing Rath Yatra, with upcoming rituals like Adapa Bije and Bahuda Yatra scheduled for July 5. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for enhanced safety protocols and better crowd management during major religious festivals. This stampede adds to a series of similar incidents across India, highlighting the urgent need for improved planning to prevent such man-made disasters.