New Delhi: Avoidable crowd disasters have killed at least 114 people across India in 2025, making it the second-deadliest year for stampedes in recent times. Only 2024 was worse, when 123 lives were lost—116 of them in a single crush at a religious gathering led by self-styled godman Narayan Sakar Hari in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh.
Wednesday’s chaos at Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district marked the sixth stampede of the year. Experts blame recurring lapses: weak crowd-control plans, under-estimated turnout, poor communication and sluggish emergency response.
ALSO READ : 9 Dead In Stampede At Venkateswara Swamy Temple In Kasibugga Town of Andhra Pradesh
The five earlier tragedies unfolded in quick succession:
- January 29: 30 pilgrims died during the Mahakumbh.
- February 15: 18 commuters perished at New Delhi Railway Station.
- April: Seven devotees were crushed in North Goa’s Shirgao village amid the annual Lairai Jatra at Shree Lairai Devi Temple.
- June 4: 11 Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans lost their lives outside Chinnaswamy Stadium celebrating the club’s first IPL title.
- September: At least 39 supporters died at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, addressed by actor-turned-politician Vijay.
Each incident underscores the same warning from safety analysts: without robust barriers, real-time monitoring and rapid medical teams, large gatherings remain accidents waiting to happen. As India’s festivals, political rallies and sporting triumphs draw ever-larger crowds, authorities face mounting pressure to treat crowd management as a life-or-death priority.
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