Puri Rath Yatra: One Dead, Several Injured In Alleged Stampede-Like Incident

Odisha , 16 July :  A person reportedly died due to suffocation in an alleged stampede-like situation during the Rath Yatra festival in Puri, Odisha, on Thursday. Authorities have not officially confirmed either the devotee’s death or the occurrence of a stampede-like incident.

According to a devotee present at the spot, the incident occurred near Marichikund Square. The devotee said either the rope barricade of the outer cordon collapsed, or some people lost their balance and fell.

In addition, the devotee said around 40 to 50 people fell on top of one another, leaving several injured, with four to five reportedly sustaining serious injuries.

The devotee added that around 20 people were rescued and taken to hospital by ambulance and that an elderly person was later reported to have died.

Sources also claimed that nearly 200 patients had been admitted to hospitals and temporary health facilities in Puri. They complained of suffocation and various injuries during the massive rush of devotees and incessant rainfall.

Lakhs of devotees assembled in the holy coastal town to witness the world-famous annual Rath Yatra.

The festival began with the Pahandi Bije ritual for Lord Jagannath, his siblings and other deities, ahead of schedule.

During the ceremonial procession, the deities were escorted from the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple to their decorated chariots. Traditional instruments, Vedic chants and Odissi dance performances accompanied the procession.

Although the rituals began early, their completion was delayed by more than two hours.