Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi express shock over loss of lives in Andhra Pradesh stampede

NEW DELHI: Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi today expressed shock over the loss of lives in a stampede at the Godavari Maha Pushkaram in Andhra Pradesh.

Extending her condolences to the families of the deceased in the tragedy, the Congress chief hoped that the injured are being provided immediate medical treatment and relief. She also said that the government should take adequate steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

Rahul Gandhi said on micro-blogging site Twitter, "Extremely sad to hear of the stampede in Rajahmundry that led to the death of several devotees. My deepest condolences to the families.

"I hope adequate arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of all visiting pilgrims & devotees."

27 pilgrims were killed in a stampede at Pushkar ghat on the banks of Godavari river on the first day of 'Pushkaram' festival today.

The incident occurred when a large number of people were moving forward to take a holy dip in the river.

'Godavari 'Pushkaram' is a once-in-144-year event dedicated to worshipping rivers in the two states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.