Five pilgrims killed in stampede at Naina Devi shrine in HP

Bilaspur, Aug 3 (UNI) At least five pilgrims were killed in a stampede this morning at the Naina Devi shrine in the district after a railing complex gave way.

About 30 others were injured.

According to police sources the stampede occured after a railing in the shrine complex gave way. Reports said that there was a heavy rush of devotees as it was a Sunday. A number of devotees were from neighboring Punjab.

The Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has rushed to Naina Devi alongwith police psronnel to rescue pilgrims who may have got trapped after the stampede. Police personnel from Anandpur Sahib in Punjab have also rushed to the shrine.

Sources said that at the time of the incident only about 100 police personnel were on duty at the shrine.

Medical teams have also reached on the spot, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kapoor said when contacted. Feeble mobile phone connectivity has hampered rescue operations.

UNI XC HS RP AS1442