Four killed, several injured in stampede in Jagannath temple

Puri, Nov 4 (UNI) Four people were killed and 25 others injured in a stampede during the 'Mangal Alati' at the Lord Jagannath temple here early this morning.

Puri Sadar Hospital sources said two people were pronounced dead on arrival 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.

Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Suresh Mohapatra said there was an unprecedented rush of devotees during the 'Mangal Alati' of the presiding deities of the temple at 0700 hrs, both inside and outside the Jagamohan (sanctum sanctorum) in the temple.

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

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