Srinagar: At least 12 people were killed and 13 injured in a stampede at a religious place in Indian-administered Kashmir in the early hours of Saturday.
“At least 12 people lost their lives and 13 were injured,” a senior government official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
“The death toll could be higher as the road to the temple on the top of the hill was clogged with devotees trying to perform the traditional New Year’s Yatra and offer prayers,” he said.
Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered Hindu temples in North India, which is visited by thousands of people every day.
Another disaster-management official confirmed the death toll, saying the stampede happened at around 2:45 pm (2115 GMT).
“The government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the stampede incident at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter, “Extremely saddened by the loss of life.” He said that he is in touch with the local authorities.
“Condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery: Modi
Six terrorists killed in Kashmir: Indian Police Pakistan Army helicopter crashes in Kashmir; 2 pilots were killed.