Kallazhagar Vaigai river festival stampede claims two lives in Madurai

At least two people have been killed and at least 24 were injured after a stampede at Madurai Kallalagar festival in Tamil Nadu on Saturday.

Madurai (Tamil Nadu):Two persons, a male, and a female, died and at least 24 persons were injured in a stampede at Lord Kallazhagar entering the Vaigai River festival in Tamil Nadu's Madurai, said the police. A huge crowd had gathered to witness the festival on Saturday as it was held after two years owing to Covid-19 restrictions.

According to police, a male and a female died and 24 were injured in the stampede while returning after witnessing the festival. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a solatium of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the severely injured and Rs 1 lakh to those who suffered minor injuries.

"The incident took place due to a traffic jam while the Kallalagar was on his way to Vaigai from Tallakulam. The district administration and the police urged the devotees not to enter the river. This caused more people to stay in one place. Most of them have started coming very close to Goripalayam, Bamboo Shop Street, Alwarpuram and Lower Bridge areas," stated a release by Madurai City Police.

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