Hyderabad: 70-year-old dies in stampede

Hyderabad: A stampede took place in Hyderabad at the venue of annual 'fish medicine' event on Friday. One person died and over 20 others including women were injured in the stampede as thousands of people rushed for fish 'prasadam' (fish medicine for asthma patients) at the annual distribution at Katedan stadium.

A 70-year-old man died of a heart attack as scores of people had queued up to collect the medicine-that is believed to cure asthma. The stampede occurred when the venue's gates were opened to the public.

Over two lakh persons from different parts of the country were already administered the medicine at the event, which is organised by the Bathini Mrigasira Trust that provides the free medicine claimed to cure asthma, an official said.

The stampede occurred as thousands of people rushed for fish medicine for asthma patients at the annual distribution at Katedan stadium.

"Additional counters have been opened and things are now put in order with queue being maintained," the official said.

However, several persons complained that no proper arrangements were made at the distribution site.

The distribution that began this morning would go on non-stop for 48 hours even as district authorities had arranged for 60,000 fingerlings for the event.

The venue of the fish 'prasadam' event was organised at Nampally exihibition grounds every year, but was shifted to Katedan this year.

With Additional Inputs from PTI

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