At least six people were killed and 35 injured in a stampede near one of India's busiest and richest temples, after thousands of devout Hindus assembled there to secure free visit passes, authorities said Thursday.

At least six pilgrims, including five women, have been killed in a stampede in the southern Indian temple town of Tirupati. The devotees were waiting in queues to collect tokens from over 90 counters to offer prayers to Lord Venkateshwara Swamy on Wednesday when the incident took place, local police said.

Authorities of one of India’s richest temples have apologised after at least six pilgrims were killed in a stampede in the southern temple town of Tirupati. The devotees were waiting in queues to collect tokens from over 90 counters to offer prayers to Lord Venkateshwara Swamy on Wednesday when the incident took place, local police said.

At least six people were crushed to death and more than 30 injured when large crowds gathered to get tickets for a festival in India’s Tirupati temple, one of the richest in the world. The incident occurred late on Wednesday when hundreds of devotees jostled for tickets for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam starting January 10 at the Venkateshwara Temple,