At least six people lost their lives in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India, with several others injured, officials confirmed on Thursday. The tragedy occurred on Wednesday as a massive crowd gathered to collect entrance tokens to the temple,

Authorities of one of India’s richest temples have apologised after at least six pilgrims were killed in a stampede in the southern temple town of Tirupati. The devotees were waiting in queues to collect tokens from over 90 counters to offer prayers to Lord Venkateshwara Swamy on Wednesday when the incident took place, local police said.

The stampede occurred during a 10- day festival at Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh. The state authorities launched an investigation into the incident.At least six people have died and several others were reported injured after a stampede broke out at the entry of a temple in the south Indian state of Andhra

The stampede took place on Wednesday night after thousands gathered at the Tirupati temple in the southern Andhra Pradesh state for tickets to a special festival. Visuals showed a swell of people jostling while the tickets were being distributed at counters set up by temple authorities.