4 devotees killed, several injured in Puri Temple stampede

Puri, Nov 04 (UNI) Four devotees were killed and 25 others injured during a stampede inside the Jagmohan of the famous 12th century Jagannath temple during the 'Mangal arati' here this morning.

Puri Sadar Hospital sources said two devotees were brought dead, while, two others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.

Out of the 25 odd devotees admitted to the hospital, two were in a critical condition, sources said.

Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Suresh Mohapatra said there was an unprecedented rush of the devotees during the 'Mangal arati' of the presiding deities of the temple at 0700 hours both inside and out side the Jagamohan in the temple.

In a bid to witness the 'Mangal arati' the devotees suddenly started rushing inside the Jagmohan of the temple and this led to a stampede inside the temple leading to the unfortunate incident.

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