7 killed in stampede outside India temple — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): At least seven people were killed and several others injured in a stampede outside the Ashok Dham temple in Lakhisarai, in India’s eastern state of Bihar, on Monday, a media report said. The Indian Express reported that the incident occurred amid a rush of devotees who had gathered at the temple to offer water to the Hindu god Shiva during the holy month of Shravan. It said the situation turned critical after the number of devotees suddenly increased and barriers erected around the temple were broken. Some reports said the collapse of an electricity pole and rumours of live electrical wires among the crowd triggered panic and caused the stampede. However, local officials said the exact cause of the incident had not yet been established and an investigation was under way. Local officials said seven people were killed and several others injured in the incident. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, the report added.