11 people die in Gujarat stampede (Update-Gujarat stampede)

At least 11 devotees were killed and 15 others were injured in a stampede in Gujarat, while they were crossing a narrow bridge leading to a temple on Sunday.

Pavagadh (Gujarat), Oct 14 : At least 11 devotees were killed and 15 others were injured in a stampede in Gujarat, while they were crossing a narrow bridge leading to a temple on Sunday.

The incident occurred in Pavagadh in the State's Panchmahal District when the devotees were on their way to the Mahakali temple to offer prayers on the third day of the nine-day festival of Navratri.

Around two lakh devotees had gathered at the temple to offer prayers.

"The stampede occurred between devotees who were coming down the hill and those who were climbing their way up", Resident District Collector of Panchmahals R K Rathod said.

The stampede took place at Patia Pul, a narrow bridge that leads to the temple, due to heavy rush that turned up on a holiday.

"Navratri festival is going on and every day we receive hundreds of thousands of people. It was a Sunday today and so there was a huge rush," said Satishjibhai, a shop owner.

Police have confirmed the death of at least 11 devotees.

"As per confirmed news 11 people have died," said Dipankar Trivedi, Superintendent of Police in Maharashtra.

The injured have been referred to the Baroda city hospital, police said.

The Gujarat Government has reportedly announced a compensation of one lakh rupees to the kin of the deceased.

ANI