Five killed, 30 injured in Naina Devi stampede

Bilaspur, Aug 3 (UNI) Five pilgrims were killed and 30 others were injured following a stampede at the Naina Devi temple in the district this morning, police sources here stated.

According to information at the police district police control here the stampede occured after a steel railing leading to the Singh Gate entrance of the shrine gave way under the weight of pilgrims who were waiting their turn to pay obeisance. As the railing collapsed a number of pilgrims including women and children rolled down the hill while others ran helter skelter to save themselves.

There were around 500 pilgrims who were lined up outside the Singh Gate entrance of the shrine. Thousands of pilgrims visit Naina Devi everyday but on Sundays the numbers swell. A large number of pilgrims present at the shrine today were from neighbouring Punjab.

Senior police and civil officials are at the spot to supervise rescue operations as a number of pilgrims who had rolled down the hill after the railing gave way are still to be rescued. A number of medical teams also reached and spot and are evacuating the injured to the hearest hospitals or providing medical aid to those with minor injuries.

Punjab Police personnel from Anandpur Sahib have also reached the spot and are assisting in the rescue operations.

UNI XC HS JS1455