A festive gathering in India’s eastern coastal state of Odisha turned tragic on Sunday after a crowd surge near a temple in Puri led to a stampede, killing at least three people and injuring several others.

The incident occurred during the annual Hindu chariot festival, where thousands of devotees had assembled around the Gundicha temple for religious celebrations.

According to district official Siddharth Swain, nine people were rushed to hospital after experiencing difficulty breathing due to the crowd pressure. Three of them were pronounced dead, while the rest remain in stable condition.

“There was a sudden crowd surge that caused panic. Unfortunately, three lives were lost,” Swain told reporters.

While local media outlets reported more injuries, authorities were yet to confirm the total number of affected individuals by Sunday evening.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the tragedy as a result of an “overwhelming rush of devotees” and offered his condolences to the families of the victims.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Majhi promised swift action. “This negligence is unacceptable. I have ordered an immediate probe into the incident, and those found responsible for any safety lapses will face consequences,” he wrote.

Fatal stampedes are not uncommon during major religious gatherings in India. In recent months, similar incidents have claimed lives during large-scale events.

In May, six people died in Goa during a fire-walking ritual, while January saw over 30 deaths at the Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj.

Authorities in Puri say investigations are underway to determine how safety protocols failed and to prevent future occurrences.