Ten killed, several injured in Bihar temple stampede

Banka (Bihar), Oct 17 (ANI): At least ten persons were killed and several others injured in a stampede that broke out at Tildiha village of Bihar's Banka District on the occasion of 'Navratri' festival.

It has been reported that the stampede took place inside the jam-packed temple premises on Saturday after a portion of the sacrificed body of the goat fell on some devotees, which created a scare further leading to a mad rush among the people present.

"More than 45,000 devotees had thronged the temple at Tildiha village under Sambhuganj police station area for offering prayers and sacrificing goats when the stampede occurred," said Director General of Police (DGP) Neelmani, while addressing the media persons in Patna.

The injured are being treated at hospitals in Tarapur and Banka.

"Ten deaths have been confirmed so far, while four are stated to be in critical condition," said District Magistrate Aadesh Chitarmare.

Eyewitnesses here said that the temple was over-crowded when the stampede took place.

"Yes, it was very much over-crowded. The people died due to the stampede," said Usha Rani, an eyewitness who also got injured and is admitted to a hospital. (ANI)