Bhubaneswar, Jan 1: A stampede-like situation erupted outside the Puri Jagannath temple on Monday when devotees broke through security barricades after hours of waiting. Sources revealed that devotees had queued overnight, with the line stretching nearly half a kilometre from the temple to Market Square, hoping to seek blessings of the Holy Trinity.

Frustration mounted as the wait prolonged, prompting a section of the crowd to breach the barricades. This caused a surge of people pushing forward, leading to chaos. Several devotees fell and were momentarily trampled in the commotion.

Thankfully, no casualties were reported, though a few devotees sustained minor injuries. They were promptly rescued by fellow devotees and nearby personnel.

This incident follows another stampede-like scenario on Tuesday near the temple entrance, where dense crowds and jostling led to at least four people feeling unwell. The repeated overcrowding has raised concerns over crowd management and the need for enhanced safety measures at the temple during peak seasons.

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