Chaos erupted when a massive crowd surged towards the theatre gates before the screening, leading to a stampede-like situation. Fans, eager to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun, rushed toward the entrance as the actor made an appearance.
Published Dec 05, 2024 | 1:16 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 05, 2024 | 7:55 AM
Chaos unfolded at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre during the premiere of Pushpa 2 following actor Allu Arjun’s arrival.
Tragedy hit the midnight premiere of Allu Arjun’s movie, Pushpa 2: The Rule, at Sandhya Theatre, RTC Cross Roads, Hyderabad late at night on Wednesday, 4 December. One woman died and at least two others were injured in a stampede caused after Allu Arjun arrived at the theatre.
Chaos erupted when a massive crowd surged towards the theatre gates before the screening, leading to a stampede-like situation. Fans, eager to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun, rushed toward the entrance as the actor made an appearance. The police, deployed to manage the crowd, resorted to baton charges to bring the situation under control.
Revathi, a resident of Dilsukhnagar, had come to watch Pushpa 2 premiere show along with her husband Bhaskar and their two children, Sri Tej (9) and Sanvika (7). As the crowd pushed through the gates, Revathi and her son Sri Tej fell unconscious amidst the commotion.
“The victim, a 39-year-old woman, fell unconscious at Sandhya Theatre and was brought to Durga Bai Deshmukh Hospital for treatment,” the police told South First. However, doctors declared her dead upon arrival.
Sri Tej, who was critically injured, was transferred to KIMS Hospital in Begumpet for advanced care. The other injured person, including a child, is reportedly in stable condition and receiving treatment at a private hospital.
Revathi’s mortal remains have been shifted from Durga Bai Deshmukh Hospital to Gandhi Hospital for an autopsy.
A woman died, and two others were injured during the midnight show of #AlluArjun‘s #Pushpa2 at Sandhya Theatre, RTC Cross Road, #Hyderabad.
The incident occurred when a massive crowd rushed to the gate before the show, leading to a stampede-like situation. Police resorted to a… pic.twitter.com/04yAkVfDTk
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) December 4, 2024
Allu Arjun, who had arrived at the theatre to greet fans and watch the premiere, unintentionally triggered the frenzy. As he entered and greeted the crowd, fans surged forward, breaking the barricades and pushing into the theatre gates.
The police, anticipating trouble, cordoned off the area and closed the gates to prevent further mishaps. Additional reinforcements were called in to manage the crowd and restore order.
The screening was a government-sanctioned benefit show, drawing enormous crowds of fans eager to celebrate the release of the much-anticipated film.
Despite police efforts to disperse the crowd with mild force, the stampede claimed the life of Revathi and left her family devastated. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as injured fans were pulled to safety and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Authorities have cordoned off the area and are investigating the incident. The police have urged fans to remain calm and avoid crowding during high-profile events to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The release of Pushpa 2: The Rule, one of the most-awaited films of the year, turned into a night of grief and concern for fans and the film industry alike.
(Edited by SF Desk)
