Report by Swati
Lakhisarai, Bihar | August 17, 2026
At least seven devotees were killed and several others injured after a stampede-like situation erupted at the Ashokdham Temple in Lakhisarai, Bihar, on Monday morning amid an unprecedented surge in the number of pilgrims.
The injured have reportedly been shifted to nearby hospitals, while rescue and relief operations remain underway at the temple premises.
Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar said the crowd swelled beyond expectations, particularly after two trains arrived in the area between approximately 6:30 and 6:45 a.m., further intensifying the congestion.
According to the District Magistrate, the administration had made arrangements anticipating a heavy turnout. However, the situation deteriorated when barricading reportedly broke on one side under the pressure of the gathering, causing devotees to fall over one another. Officials immediately rushed several people to safety and initiated emergency response measures.
Lakhisarai SDPO Shivam Kumar confirmed that seven casualties had been reported. He said preliminary information suggested that an electric pole may have fallen, possibly resulting in electrocution and subsequently triggering a stampede-like situation.
However, the police officer clarified that the exact cause of the tragedy would be established only after a detailed verification and investigation.
Police, district administration officials and rescue teams have been deployed at the site. Authorities are continuing relief operations and assessing the full extent of casualties and injuries.
The incident has cast a pall of grief over the Sawan Monday religious observances and raised serious questions regarding crowd management and safety protocols at major pilgrimage .
