Click to play videoNew Delhi: At least 68 pilgrims are feared killed and over 50 injured in a stampede at the Naina Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district.
News agencies report a large number of pilgrims had gathered at the temple, 160 km from state capital Shimla, to offer prayers when the railing on way to the sanctum sanctorum gave way, resulting in stampede.
The crowd had gathered on the second day of the 10-day Sharavan Ashtami fair that began on Saturday.
Deputy Commissioner, Bilaspur, CP Verma confirmed 60 pilgrims had been killed and feared the toll could go up. Speaking with CNN-IBN Verma also said rescue operations began almost immediately after the incident was reported and the injured were rushed to the nearby Anandpur hospital.
Earlier, Randhir Sharma, ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator of the area, confirmed to agencies that more than 50 people were killed.
Superintendent of Police K K Indoria and other senior district officers rushed to the temple, located about 60 km from the Bilaspur district headquarters.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter and Google+)
displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of CNN-IBN does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them.