In Puri, during the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026, a massive crowd surge occurred while devotees rushed to witness the Pahandi ritual. The surge caused one devotee to suffocate, and over 120 others fell ill, prompting immediate hospitalization.
Massive Devotee Gathering
From early morning, devotees crowded the temple and Grand Road, leading to dense gatherings that increased pressure on individuals. The surge escalated as devotees pushed for darshan of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
Heat and Humidity Aggravate Situation
Intense heat and humidity worsened conditions, causing dehydration and fainting. Hospitals reported most injured suffered from suffocation and exhaustion while rescue teams worked diligently.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
Authorities, including police, disaster management teams, and medical staff, quickly activated emergency protocols, using designated evacuation routes and ambulances to transport victims to hospitals.
Increased Vigilance Post-Incident
Following the incident, Puri administration deployed additional police, ODRAF, NDRF, fire, and medical teams. Loudspeakers advised devotees to use designated paths and maintain patience to avoid further incidents.
