Jehanabad: A tragic incident took place early Monday morning at the historic Baba Siddheshwar Nath temple in Makhdumpur, Jehanabad district, Bihar, as a stampede claimed the lives of seven devotees and left over 30 others injured. The stampede occurred as a massive crowd gathered to perform Jalabhishek on Baba Siddheshwar Nath, a revered ritual performed by devotees of Lord Shiva.
The temple, situated atop a mountain, was filled with thousands of devotees since midnight on Sunday. Eager to offer their prayers and perform Jalabhishek, devotees chanted “Bol-Bam” as they waited in a queue stretching over 100 meters from the temple’s main gate. The atmosphere was charged with devotion, but in a tragic turn of events, a stampede broke out.
Eyewitnesses reported that the stampede began suddenly, with people running in panic to save themselves. The crowd led to a chaotic scene, as devotees trampled over each other in an attempt to escape. The once serene temple grounds were filled with cries for help, and what had been a peaceful religious gathering quickly turned into a scene of devastation.
The stampede lasted for about half an hour. Personal belongings were scattered across the area, and many devotees desperately searched for their loved ones amidst the chaos.
By the time the police and administration arrived on the scene, it was too late to prevent the tragedy. Seven people were confirmed dead, and more than 30 others were injured, many of whom remain in critical condition. The injured were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Devotees who witnessed the horrific event expressed their grief and frustration, stating that the tragedy could have been avoided if the administration had been more vigilant.
