The stampede occurred during a 10-day festival at Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh. State authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

At least six people have died and several others were reported injured after a stampede broke out at the entry of a temple in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday evening.

The stampede occurred during a 10-day annual festival at Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in the city of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple, had arranged for ticket counters to issue tokens to devotees for the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival.

Thousands of devotees from across India had gathered to visit the temple. According to the temple chairman, the stampede was triggered when a gate was opened to let out a woman who was feeling unwell.

At least three women were among those who died, according to a report by The Indian Express. The report stated that at least 30 people sustained serious injuries and were taken to the hospital.

In response to the incident, the state government ordered a probe. State Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his grief, offering condolences to the families of the deceased, saying the deaths "grieved me intensely."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow, offering condolences to the affected families. His office quoted him as saying, "Pained by the stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones."

Stampedes at religious festivals are common in India, where large crowds often gather in confined spaces.