Stampede at northeastern India temple kills 9 worshipers

USPA News - A stampede during at a northeastern India temple killed at least nine people, officials said Monday. Worshipers were gathered at the Satsangh ashram complex in the town of Deogha in the state of Jharkhand, where the 125th birth anniversary of Thakur Anukul Chandra was taking place.

Deoghar deputy commissioner Rahul Purwar said an overcrowded temple and lack of space for devotees to move caused the stampede. Among the nine killed were eight women. In addition, at least 20 people were also injured, including nine who were reported in serious condition. The injured had been transported to the Satsang Hospital. A group of volunteers was working at the temple in order to manage the large crowds that were expected to arrive, but Purwar said they failed to carry out their tasks. Authorities said over 200,000 people had assembled at the temple`s premises.