A tragic stampede near the Tirupati temple, Tiruchanur, Andhra Pradesh, India, late Wednesday evening has resulted in the deaths of at least six people, with 25 others rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The chaos erupted as hundreds of devotees flocked to secure tokens for the upcoming 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, set to begin on January 10.

Witnesses reported that the ticketing center quickly became overwhelmed, leading to a dangerous crush of people. Eyewitness accounts indicated that up to 60 individuals fell on one another while trying to obtain tokens at the counter. Among the deceased, at least three victims are women.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his shock at the incident and has instructed senior officials to supervise relief efforts and ensure adequate medical care for the injured. He is expected to visit the site of the tragedy on Thursday morning.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also extended condolences to the families affected by this heartbreaking event. The injured, many of whom are from Tamil Nadu, have been taken to Ruia Hospital for medical treatment.

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Visuals from the scene showed a significant police presence as emergency responders worked to assist those affected. The community is in mourning as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the stampede continue.