A stampede broke out in Lakhisarai, Bihar, on Monday, resulting in the death of 8 women. More than 23 people are reported to be injured, with 3 in critical condition. The number of fatalities is feared to rise. The incident occurred on the route from Ashokdham station to the temple. A rumor of an electric current spread during the Jalabhishek ceremony.

According to the administration, the accident was not caused by an electric current, but by a rumor that spread after a power pole fell, and the sudden surge in crowd. Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has expressed condolences over the incident.

Regarding the stampede at the Lakhisarai temple, Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said, "This is a sad incident. We pray for the peace of the souls of the deceased and for the courage of their families. This is a serious matter, and the government will investigate it."

Initially, the reason for the accident was reported to be an electric current. Some people spread the word that a power pole had fallen, causing the current to spread. This created fear among the devotees, and people started running to save their lives. However, the district administration later clarified that the deaths were not due to electric shock, but due to suffocation in the stampede.

In the stampede at the Ashokdham temple in Lakhisarai, 8 people have lost their lives. Minister and local MLA Vijay Kumar Sinha has expressed condolences and said that necessary action will be taken after gathering complete information about the incident. Former Deputy CM Vijay Sinha has left for Lakhisarai.

According to Lakhisarai DM Shailendra Kumar, between 6:30 and 7 am on Monday, the arrival of two trains at Ashok Dham Halt resulted in a sudden increase in the number of devotees. The temple already had a large crowd due to the Somwari of Sawan. After getting off the train, a large number of people started moving towards the temple. During this time, a part of the barricading on the field side gave way due to the pressure of the crowd. After this, pushing and shoving started among the people, and many devotees started falling on top of each other.

The Bihar government has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, the administration has been given necessary instructions for the proper and prompt treatment of the injured.