SABARIMALA: At least 25 persons injured in a minor stampede reported at Sabarimala Sannidhanam a
day before Mandala Pooja at Lord Ayyappa temple on Sunday.
According to reports, the condition of at least two persons is said to be serious, and they were admitted to Government Medical College hospital, Kottayam. The rest of the injured were admitted to various hopsitals including at the medical care center at Sannidhanmam.
According to sources, the accident occured in a heavy rush of devotees after the ceremonial deeparadhana at the idol which was clad in 'Thanka Anki' attire.
At least three persons from a group of pilgrims belonging to Narasaraopeta in Guntur district were missing after the stampede, a few pilgrims told.
“Our fellow pilgrims K S Giri, R J Giribabu and another person are missing since the stampede. We ran in different directions when the incident occurred and could not contact them,” one of the pilgrims from Guntur district said. However, the same could not be confirmed by officials.
A majority of the injured are said to be from Narasaraopeta in Guntur district as well as Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh.
Since, darshan was restricted for 'Thanka Anki deeparadhana, devotees were waiting at Malikappuram temple at Sannidhanam and at the walkway. When the restriction was lifted after Deeparadhana they suddenly rushed to the temple, which led to the accident. The injured were those, who were waiting at Malikappuram temple.
The Disaster Managment team swung in to action and led the rescue operations.