Puri, Odisha: The annual Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra attracted thousands of devotees from across the country, resulting in a grand and crowded celebration. However, the event took a tragic turn when a stampede occurred, injuring at least 15 devotees and resulting in one fatality.
The injured were promptly taken to a nearby hospital, with many suffering minor injuries, while those seriously hurt are still undergoing treatment. The deceased devotee, who succumbed to his injuries, was not from Odisha and had traveled from outside the state.
This year’s Rath Yatra was particularly notable, as it spanned two days for the first time since 1971. The extended celebration drew lakhs of devotees, adding to the event’s special significance and massive turnout.