Scenes of panic: How sudden rush triggered stampede at Bihar temple; 8 dead

At least eight women lost their lives and six others were injured after a stampede-like situation broke out at the Sheetala Mata temple in Bihar Sharif on Tuesday morning, turning a routine day of worship into a scene of chaos and grief.

The incident occurred on the last Tuesday of the Chaitra month, when a large number of devotees had gathered at the temple, leading to heavy footfall since early morning and increasing pressure within the premises.

The situation escalated when a rumour spread among the crowd, triggering panic. Within moments, the rush intensified, and the movement of people became uncontrollable, leading to a stampede-like scenario.

Those injured in the incident were quickly taken to a government hospital in Bihar Sharif, where they are currently undergoing treatment as authorities monitor their condition.

As panic spread rapidly, several people fell amid the sudden surge of devotees. In the chaos, many were trampled, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries as people struggled to find space and safety.

Local residents, along with police and administrative officials, stepped in to manage the situation. They carried out rescue operations and helped shift victims to medical facilities amid the confusion.

A local resident said the large crowd gathered due to Mahavir Jayanti and Tuesday. According to him, barricades broke suddenly, which contributed to the stampede-like situation during the heavy rush.

Scenes of deep sorrow unfolded at the hospital, where relatives mourned the loss of their loved ones. The tragedy has left families devastated, with grief overwhelming those who gathered to seek news of victims.

Another devotee said they were unable to even enter the temple as deaths had already occurred. The crowd was pushed back, and a lathi charge also reportedly took place as authorities tried to control the situation.

Authorities ensured the injured were shifted promptly to the hospital in Bihar Sharif, where they are undergoing treatment. Officials on the ground continued to monitor the situation while managing the aftermath of the incident.