Patna, August 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the loss of seven lives in a stampede at the Ashok Dham Temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.
The Prime Minister’s Office said in a post on X that Modi was “pained by the loss of lives” and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. He also said the local administration was assisting people affected by the incident.
The stampede occurred as thousands of devotees gathered at the temple to offer prayers and perform Jalabhishek on the third Monday of the holy Shravan month. At least seven people were killed and more than 12 injured.
According to officials, an electric wire reportedly fell, triggering panic among devotees. Rumours subsequently spread through the gathering, prompting people to rush in different directions. A stampede followed, leaving several devotees trapped and crushed in the crowd.
Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar said an unprecedented surge in the number of devotees, compounded by the arrival of two trains around 6:30-6:45 a.m., led to the collapse of a barricade outside the temple.
Police and administrative officials rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident. Rescue operations were launched and the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals. Officials also reached the site to supervise rescue efforts and crowd management.
The Bihar government announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed in the stampede.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also expressed grief over the incident, describing it as “extremely tragic and heart-wrenching”. He conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and directed the administration to ensure proper and prompt treatment of the injured.
The Chief Minister prayed for peace for the departed souls and a speedy recovery for those undergoing treatment.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and assess the circumstances that led to the stampede.
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