Hyderabad, Nov. 2 -- In a ghastly incident, nine devotees, including eight women and a 12 years old boy were killed during a stampede at a temple in Kasibugga town of Srikakulam district around noon on Saturday (November 1).

The death toll was likely to go up as the rescue operations were still underway.

An official release by the State government said a large crowd surged forward when the temple of Venkateshwara Swamy opened, causing panic at the entrance route. A railing collapsed under the weight of the crowd which triggered panic. The same route was being used for both entry and exit.

It is a newly built temple

Considered 'Chinna Tirupati' (Little Tirupati), the temple was privately constructed and inaugurated four months ago. Quo...