Devotee Dies in Stampede During Puri Rath Yatra, 52 Rescued

Brief By Free Press Journal / 6:19 PM on 16 Jul 2026

A devotee died from suspected suffocation during a crowd surge at Puri's Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, while 52 others were rescued after experiencing breathing difficulties. The incident occurred on Grand Road amid heavy congestion. Authorities restored order, launched an investigation and deployed emergency teams to provide medical assistance and crowd management.