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.

One of India's wealthiest temples has apologised after six people were killed and dozens more injured in a crush as they queued for tickets to a festival which attracts hundreds of thousands each year. The incident took place on Wednesday night after thousands gathered in the temple town of Tirupati in southern Andhra Pradesh state.

The stampede occurred during a 10- day festival at Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh. The state authorities 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