‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai

Seven people were killed and several others injured in a stampede-like incident at Ashokdham Temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai early Monday, police said. The incident occurred as a large crowd of devotees gathered at the temple on Shravan’s Somvaar, a day that typically sees heavy footfall at Shiva temples. SDPO Shivam Kumar said an electric pole reportedly fell, possibly leading to electrocution and triggering the stampede-like situation. He said the exact cause would be established after verification. Lakhisarai DM Shailendra Kumar said the crowd swelled to an unprecedented level. He added that two trains arrived around 6.30-6.45 am, further increasing the number of people at the site. Although arrangements had been made in anticipation of the crowd, barricading reportedly broke at one point, causing people to fall over one another. Authorities rushed 10-15 people for immediate assistance.