Bhubaneswar: Two devotees reportedly died and several others sustained injuries in a stampede-like situation during the Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri city today.

Several devotees fainted due to a stampede-like situation on the Grand Road during the Pahandi procession of the deities. They were rescued and rushed to the hospital immediately. However, two among them died during treatment, reports said.

The stampede reportedly took place at Marichikote Square. However, there was no confirmation in this regard from the administration.

“A chaotic situation unfolded at Marichikote Square as hundreds of devotees tried to enter the Grand Road by breaking the barricades. A few of them fell down and sustained grievous injuries. They were immediately rescued and rushed to the hospital. We have heard that two among them died while being treated at the hospital,” said an eyewitness. 

It is worth mentioning here that at least three devotees were killed and around 50 others were injured in a stampede near the Gundicha temple in the Holy City during the last year’s Rath Yatra.