Tragedy Strikes On First Day Of New Year, 12 Killed In Stampede At Vaishno Devi Shrine

Jammu, January 1 (TNA) The new year started on a tragic note for the country as twelve pilgrims died and over a dozen others injured in a stampede at Jammu and Kashmir's Mata Vaishno Devi shrine on Saturday. The stampede, officials of the Shrine Board said, was triggered by a massive rush of devotees.

Police officials have confirmed that 12 pilgrims have died and at least 14 are injured in the stampede. The incident occurred outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine on Trikuta hills.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said that a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the stampede. PM Modi and many opposition leaders have condoled the loss of lives.