At least eight people were killed while several others sustained injuries after a stampede broke out at Sheetla Mata Mandir in Maghra village in Bihar’s Nalanda district on Tuesday.

The incident occurred as a massive crowd gathered at the temple. Authorities said a large number of worshippers had assembled at the temple as it was the last Tuesday of the Chaitra month, and the surge in crowd movement reportedly triggered the stampede that led to the casualties.It is learnt that more than half a dozen injured devotees were rushed to the Model Hospital in Bihar Sharif for treatment. Soon after authorities were informed about the tragedy, police personnel, assisted by residents, quickly reached the temple and began rescue and relief efforts. Footage from the site showed large crowds gathered around the temple complex as officials worked to manage the situation.Further, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condoled the deaths of devotees in the deadly stampede. The Chief Minister also announced financial assistance for the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.According to a letter released by the Chief Minister’s office, the next of kin of each deceased victim will receive Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Management Department and an additional Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, taking the total compensation to Rs 6 lakh per family. The government said the aid is intended to support the affected families as authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident in Nalanda.