Tragedy at Pushkarams, 24 killed

The holy pushkarams had the most tragic beginning as inadequate arrangements and unprecedented crowds led to a massive stampede at the Pushkar Ghat, the main river Ghat in Rajahmundry city.

Twenty four persons, including several women died in the stampede. The deceased were reportedly from Vizag and Srikakulam.

Several persons were injured and the condition of some of them is stated to be serious. Several women and children fainted.

Massive crowds milled into all the streets leading to the Pushkar Ghat, the main ghat. Huge crowds waited from much before the dawn to have a holy dip in the river, where the 12-year-event of holy pushkarams began on Tuesday. However, lack  of amenities like drinking water, worsened the situation and the presence of VIPs led to further chaos. None of the toll free numbers worked and the ambulances were not seen. The hospitals too did not have adequate staff on Day 1.

Massive traffic jams were witnessed all over Rajahmundry city due to the inadequate arrangements. The pilgrims expressed anger at the poor arrangements.