by The deceased include devotees from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and 1 from J&K.
The stampede occurred outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine atop Trikuta hills.
As per the J&K police chief Dilbagh Singh, the stampede broke following an argument among the devotees.
“12 dead, 13 injured in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra. The incident occurred around 2.45am, and as per initial reports, an argument broke out which resulted in people pushing each other, followed by stampede,” said J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh
Visuals from #NarainaHospital where injured devotees have been taken for treatment after the stampede at Mata… https://t.co/YJ9GC8LLZw
— TOI Cities (@TOICitiesNews) 1640999839000
Senior officials and shrine board representatives are on the spot.
Officials said six persons were found dead and the bodies sent to hospital for identification and other legal formalities.
At least 26 other persons were admitted to hospitals, including Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, and the condition of many of the injured was stated to be “serious”.
PM Modi condoles deaths in stampede
Prime Minister Narendra expressed grief over loss of lives in the tragic incident at the Vaishno Devi shrine on the first day of the year 2022.
Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. Condolences to the bereaved… https://t.co/5rPEMorwTX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1641000909000
