A devotee died after suffering breathing difficulties during heavy crowding at the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri
July 16, 2026: A male devotee died after experiencing breathing difficulties during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri on Wednesday as heavy crowding created panic-like conditions. Officials clarified that there was no stampede, stating that the devotee died due to suffocation caused by a sudden surge in the crowd. Several other devotees also fell ill or sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
According to Odisha Police, the Special Rescue Unit (SRU) of the Odisha Fire and Emergency Service rescued 33 devotees who became trapped in the dense crowd. They were provided first aid and oxygen support before being shifted to nearby hospitals. The deceased was identified as Anil Das from Keonjhar, who collapsed near Marichikot Chhak on Puri’s Grand Road and was declared dead on arrival at the district hospital.
The incident occurred as lakhs of devotees gathered to witness the annual procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. In a separate and unrelated incident, a 35-year-old man reportedly died after suffering a cardiac arrest. Authorities have not yet issued a detailed explanation regarding the sudden crowd surge that led to the emergency.