J&K: Several injured after stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra
At least 20 people were injured in a stampede, triggered by heavy rush of devotees on New Year’s Day, at the famous Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday.
The stampede happened shortly after midnight.
Senior officials and shrine board representatives are on the spot.
Hospital and police sources said at least 20 people were injured in the stampede and were taken to hospitals, including Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality hospital, and the condition of some of the injured was stated to be “serious”.
Commenting on the death toll, Dr. Gopal Dutt, Block Medical Officer, Community Health Centre said six pilgrims have died.
“Six dead in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, the exact number not there yet. Their post mortem will be done. Injured being taken to Naraina hospital, the total number of injured not confirmed either.”
Meanwhile, the yatra to the shrine has for now been halted.
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