Stampede at Hindu temple kills 10 in India

Electrical spark triggered a rush of thousands of pilgrims for the doors

Devotees pray  to mark the Hindu festival of Janmashtami in Mumbai, August 18th, 2014. Janmashtami marks the birthday of Hindu god Krishna. File Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters
Devotees pray to mark the Hindu festival of Janmashtami in Mumbai, August 18th, 2014. Janmashtami marks the birthday of Hindu god Krishna. File Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

A stampede at a Hindu temple in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh killed at least 10 people today and injured dozens, police and media said.

Several thousand pilgrims had gathered at the Kamtanath temple for prayers ahead of a new moon night when an electrical spark on temple premises triggered a rush for the doors.

Some of the devotees were lying on the temple floor, participating in a ritual, when the accident happened, said state police officer Pawan Shrivastav.

At least 60 people were injured, television channels said, quoting local officials.

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Stampedes frequently occur at religious sites in India, many of which are poorly maintained.

In October, at least 89 people were killed and more than 100 injured in a stampede at a bridge leading to a remote Hindu temple in the same state.

Reuters