ANKARA

At least nine people were killed Saturday in a stampede during a religious event in southern India’s Andhra Pradesh state, according to officials.

The incident occurred as thousands of devotees gathered for a ritual offering at the Venkateswara Temple in Kashibugga in the state’s Srikakulam district, where a sudden surge in the crowd led to the tragedy.

Chandrababu Naidu, the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, wrote on the US social media platform X that the stampede took place during the temple event and expressed sorrow over the deaths.

“The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely heartbreaking. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” he said.

Abdul Nazeer, the state's governor, confirmed the death toll, saying the incident took place due to a heavy rush of pilgrims.

Naidu said he has “instructed officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those who have been injured.”

“I have requested the local officials and public representatives to visit the site of the incident and oversee the relief measures,” he said.