JAMMU: At least 12 people were killed and 20 others injured in a stampede at the famous Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir triggered by a heavy rush of devotees, officials said on Saturday.

The stampede occurred near gate number three outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine atop Trikuta hills.

The stampede was triggered by a heavy rush of devotees who have come to pay their obeisance to mark the beginning of the New Year, the officials said.

Twenty more people were injured and the majority of them are undergoing treatment at Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, the officials said, adding that the condition of four of the injured was stated to be "critical".

As per the report, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital Dr JP Singh said, more than 15 injured people were brought to the hospital. Four were admitted to ICU. 11 people were stable, out of which 3-4 people were discharged after first aid and around five are still under treatment.  

J&K| 15 injured people were brought to the hospital. 4 were admitted to ICU. 11 people were stable, out of which 3-4 people were discharged after first aid. Around 5 are still under treatment" Dr JP Singh, Neurosurgeon, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital https://t.co/6D8fMA0Zqy pic.twitter.com/AL9M65W6YL

— ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2022

Officials said, 12 people died in the stampede and their bodies have been removed to a hospital in the Katra base camp for identification and other legal formalities.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that a high-level enquiry has been ordered into the stampede incident, which will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP (Jammu) and Divisional Commissioner (Jammu) as members.

PM Modi announced ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000

An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 1, 2022

Sinha also announced ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh for the family of those killed in the incident and ₹2 lakh for kin of the injured. The central government too has announced ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those whose family members have been injured. 

"Extremely saddened by the loss of lives. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter.

The pilgrimage to the shrine, which was briefly stopped after the stampede, has now resumed.