One Dead, Around 100 Injured During Jagannath Rath Yatra In Puri

The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri, one of India's largest religious festivals that draws lakhs of devotees every year, was marred by a stampede-like situation on Thursday. One person died and around 100 devotees were injured during the annual procession.

The incident took place on Bada Danda (Grand Road), where lakhs of devotees had gathered to witness the pulling of the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. Light rain was also reported during the procession.

According to preliminary reports, a devotee suffered severe breathing difficulties amid the heavy crowd and was rushed to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital. Doctors later declared the person dead.

Around 100 Devotees Rescued And Treated

Officials said around 100 devotees either sustained injuries or experienced health complications during the incident. Nearly 50 people were admitted to hospitals for treatment.

Inspector General of Police for Fire and Emergency Services Umashankar Dash said that about 100 people who were feeling suffocated or were being pressed inside the crowd were rescued.

The Odisha Police said those rescued were given first aid and oxygen support before being shifted to nearby hospitals for further treatment.

Visuals from the spot showed injured devotees being rushed to hospitals. Slippers, bags and other belongings were seen scattered across the road as panic spread among the crowd.

Cause Of The Incident Still Unclear

The exact cause of the stampede-like situation has not yet been officially established.

While some preliminary reports described it as a stampede-like incident, officials have said there had been no stampede. They maintained that the death occurred during the heavy rush of devotees.

Authorities are assessing the situation, and further details are awaited.

Former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik expressed sadness over the incident and offered condolences to the family of the deceased.

"I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of lives among devotees in the stampede at Badadanda during Rath Yatra. I pray for the eternal peace of the souls of the devotees who have lost their lives and for the swift recovery of the more than a hundred injured devotees. In this hour of grief, all workers of the Biju Janata Dal will extend their full cooperation to provide assistance to everyone. I hope that the state government will ensure the convenience and safety of the devotees by properly managing the crowds," Patnaik wrote on X.

A Recurring Concern

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of India's largest religious gatherings and attracts lakhs of pilgrims from across the country and abroad every year.

A similar incident had occurred during the Rath Yatra last year. According to reports, the 2024 incident was linked to crowd mismanagement, infrastructure lapses and logistical disruptions. Three people were killed, and more than 50 others were injured.

During the annual festival, thousands of devotees pull the chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.

(With inputs from various sources)

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