Bihar Temple Stampede: PM Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu Express Grieve Over Ashokdham Shrine Incident in Lakhisarai; 7 Devotees Dead
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over a stampede at Bihar's Ashokdham Temple in Lakhisarai that left seven devotees dead. Authorities rushed aid to the injured while national leaders extended condolences to the bereaved families.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in expressing deep grief and sorrow over a tragic stampede-like incident at the historic Ashokdham Temple in Bihar's Lakhisarai district. The early morning disaster on Monday claimed the lives of seven devotees and left more than a dozen others injured during heavy Sawan month prayers.
Top national leaders extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims as local administration and emergency response teams rushed to manage the crisis and provide medical aid to the injured worshippers.
National Leaders Condole Lakhisarai Temple Tragedy
Expressing profound sorrow over the loss of lives, President Droupadi Murmu shared a statement on social media describing the incident as extremely heartbreaking. She extended her deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the rapid recovery of those undergoing medical treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his anguish through an official statement, noting that local authorities are closely assisting all affected individuals. "Pained by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Lakhisarai, Bihar. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. May the injured recover at the earliest," the Prime Minister stated. Other senior figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, echoed similar sentiments, offering their condolences and support to the victims' families.
Cause of the Stampede and District Administration Response
The tragic incident unfolded during early morning hours as massive crowds gathered at the temple premises to perform Jalabhishek on the third Monday of Sawan. According to district officials, thousands of additional pilgrims arrived via incoming trains at the nearby railway halt, swelling the volume of visitors beyond anticipated levels.
An unverified rumor regarding an electrical hazard near the crowded queue triggered sudden panic, leading to structural barricade failures and a crushing surge. In response to the disaster, the state government announced an ex-gratia financial assistance of INR 4,00,000 for the families of each deceased individual, while police and administrative personnel remain stationed on-site to maintain order and conduct further investigations
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 17, 2026 02:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
