Stampede at Bihar Temple leaves 8 women dead, several injured

KATHMANDU: At least eight women were killed and around 10 others injured in a stampede at a temple in India’s eastern state of Bihar on Tuesday, officials confirmed.

The incident occurred at the Sheetala Temple in the Deepnagar area of Nalanda district at approximately 10:00 AM local time.

According to a local police officer, panic broke out among devotees gathered at the temple premises, triggering a sudden rush that led to the fatal crush.

Eyewitness videos circulating on social media show injured women being carried and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Authorities said several of the injured remain in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could increase.

Preliminary reports suggest the stampede may have been caused by overcrowding during a religious gathering, though the exact cause is yet to be officially confirmed.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and officials have ordered a formal probe to determine the circumstances that led to the tragedy and assess possible lapses in crowd management.

Emergency services responded swiftly, and police have since brought the situation under control at the temple site.

Further updates are awaited as authorities continue rescue and investigation efforts.