At least seven women were killed and several others injured after panic triggered a stampede at a temple in India’s eastern state of Bihar early Monday, officials said.
The incident occurred at Ashok Dham Temple in Lakhisarai district, where devotees had gathered when an electricity pole fell nearby.
Senior civil official Shailendra Kumar said a rumour quickly spread through the crowd that a live electrical wire had fallen on worshippers, causing panic.
The sudden movement put pressure on a queue of women, with several falling to the ground and others collapsing on top of them.
Kumar confirmed that seven devotees had died, while authorities were still working to establish the exact number of people injured.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said the administration had been directed to ensure that those injured received immediate and appropriate medical treatment.
Authorities were continuing to assess the aftermath of the incident and determine the full number of casualties.