By The Sampadak Express
More than 580 devotees were injured, with at least eight reported in critical condition, during the annual Rath Yatra festival held in Odisha’s Puri on Friday. The injuries occurred amid massive overcrowding during the chariot-pulling ceremony on the Grand Road.
According to sources, the incident took place as the Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra began its journey toward the Gundicha Temple, approximately 2.5 kilometers away. Thousands of devotees surged forward to touch and pull the sacred ropes out of sheer devotion, leading to a stampede-like situation.
Health officials confirmed that 581 devotees were admitted to the High-Tech Hospital for treatment. Additionally, 173 were treated at the High Dependency Unit (HDU), and 68 others received first aid at the Outpatient Department (OPD). Due to the worsening condition of several individuals, eight critically injured devotees were transferred to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) for advanced care.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and medical teams remain on high alert as the Rath Yatra festivities continue.
