Stampede at Vaishno Devi in Jammu, 12 dead; PM Modi condoles deaths

According to Dr Gopal Dutt, Block Medical Officer, Community Health Centre, at least 12 people died in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan on Saturday (January 1), according to ANI. However, the actual figures have yet to be confirmed.

Several of those killed were from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir, with one victim from Jammu and Kashmir.

The remains of the fatalities have been transferred for post mortem, while the injured have been brought to Naraina Hospital, according to Dutt.

Meanwhile, according to J&K DGP Dilbagh Singh, at least 13 people were hurt in the stampede.

According to Singh, the event occurred at 2:45 a.m., and initial reports indicated that an argument erupted, with people assaulting each other and a stampede following.

On Saturday morning, a stampede was reported at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir.

The cause of the event is supposed to be the large number of worshippers that visited on New Year's Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his part, extended his sympathies to the victims and their families.

"Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," tweeted Prime Minister.

Modi has also promised ex-gratia payments of Rs 2 lakh to those who died in the unfortunate incident, as well as Rs 50,000 to those who were injured.