Videos Show Panic, Devotees Being Carried Away As Stampede-Like Situation Unfolds At Puri Rath Yatra
Videos Show Panic, Devotees Being Carried Away As Stampede-Like Situation Unfolds At Puri Rath Yatra Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 17:43 IST Puri
Videos Show Panic, Devotees Being Carried Away As Stampede-Like Situation Unfolds At Puri Rath Yatra Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 17:43 IST Puri Rath Yatra Stampede: Videos from Puri capture the aftermath of the stampede-like situation, with emergency responders rushing devotees to safety amid the chaos. The visual shows a woman being carried away on a stretcher Puri Rath Yatra Stampede: Dramatic visuals have emerged from Puri after a stampede-like situation was reported during the Jagannath Rath Yatra on Thursday, where at least one person has been reported dead and 200 hospitalised. The footage shows hundreds of devotees packed along the Grand Road as emergency responders and volunteers struggle to move through the dense crowd. In one of the visuals, a woman can be seen being carried away on a stretcher as police personnel and volunteers clear a path for rescuers.
Another video captures the aftermath of the chaos, with slippers, shoes and other belongings strewn across the road, indicating the panic that unfolded during the rush. Security personnel and rescue teams are seen attending to devotees and helping those affected. According to preliminary information, around 200 devotees experienced breathing difficulties amid the heavy crowd and were rescued by the Special Rescue Unit (SRU) before being shifted to hospitals for treatment. As panic spread, personnel from the Special Rescue Unit (SRU) moved into the area, evacuating devotees and assisting those in need of medical care. Ambulances and emergency responders remained on standby as the rescue effort continued. Following the incident, the administration stepped up security and crowd regulation along the Yatra route. Additional personnel were deployed to ease congestion and ensure the smooth movement of devotees participating in the annual festival.
Follow live updates here News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What caused the stampede-like situation at Puri Rath Yatra? Panic at the Puri Rath Yatra was caused by an overwhelming rush of devotees leading to a stampede-like situation on the Grand Road (Bada Danda). How will authorities prevent similar incidents in the future? Authorities have stepped up security and crowd management measures along the Puri Rath Yatra route following a stampede-like situation that resulted in one death and over 200 hospitalizations. What safety measures are in place for large religious gatherings? Authorities have stepped up crowd management and emergency response measures to ensure pilgrim safety during the Puri Rath Yatra. Heavy security arrangements are in place to manage the footfall.
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