Vaishno Devi Shrine Stampede 12 Dead, 13 Injured

Vaishno Devi Shrine Stampede: The Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a rescue operation soon after the stampede was reported. The injured have been admitted to many hospitals, including Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, and the condition of many of the injured was stated to be “serious”.

Senior officials and shrine board representatives are at the spot of the incident at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. High-level Probe Initiated; J&K L-G Declares Rs 10L Ex-gratia

At least 12 people were killed and 13 others injured in a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Katra early on Saturday. The stampede was triggered by a heavy rush of devotees on the first day of the new year, according to news agency PTI. The yatra (pilgrimage) to the holy shrine has been suspended after the incident.

Exclusive Visuals from Katra
12 dead and many injured in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan#Katra #Vaishnodevi pic.twitter.com/txdhETNLEE

— Sheikh Sabir (Kashmir Crown) (@sheikhsabirr) January 1, 2022

“12 dead, 13 injured in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra. The incident occurred around 2:45 am, and as per initial reports, an argument broke out which resulted in people pushing each other, followed by stampede,” Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Dilbagh Singh told news agency ANI.

The stampede occurred outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district.

Sad news to wake up to on the very first day of 2022 ..
Stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi ..
12 people Lost their Lives, many are injured ..
Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families & praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.#Vaishnodevi#Vaishnodevistampede pic.twitter.com/SzyWrzWLS6

— Upma Sharma (@UpmaSharma2608) January 1, 2022

The Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a rescue operation soon after the stampede was reported.

Vaishno Devi Shrine Stampede

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief at the incident and announced an ex-gratia for the families of those killed. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s office announced an ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh for the next of kin of those killed in the stampede.

Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to JK LG Shri @manojsinha_ Ji, Ministers Shri @DrJitendraSingh Ji, @nityanandraibjp Ji and took stock of the situation.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 1, 2022

The injured have been admitted to various hospitals, including Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, and the condition of many of the injured was stated to be “serious”.

The cave shrine is situated at an altitude of 5,200 ft in Reasi district and generally attracts close to a million devotees every year.

The operations of the pilgrimage site are managed by Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, which provides battery car and ropeway services to the pilgrims to reach the top of Trikuta hills for darshan.

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