Lakhisarai, August 17: A tragic crowd surge during holy Shravan observances resulted in seven deaths and 14 injuries near the Ashok Dham shrine in Lakhisarai.
The government moved quickly to respond, announcing an ex gratia assistance package of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each deceased devotee while ensuring immediate medical attention for those receiving treatment at the hospital.
“The incident at Ashok Dham in Lakhisarai is tragic and heartbreaking. It has deeply saddened me. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” asserted Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary while addressing the emergency response measures.
The disaster unfolded early in the morning at approximately 6.30 am, driven by an massive gathering of devotees walking from the Ashok Dham halt railway station to offer traditional water offerings to Lord Shiva.
“Seven devotees died and 14 were injured in the stampede near Ashok Dham halt railway station in Lakhisarai on Monday morning,” maintained Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar, noting that the crush began when elevated crowd pressure compromised structural barricades.
Local emergency crews continue working on scene, focusing on medical transport for all remaining injured individuals and completing identification procedures for those impacted by the tragedy.
