Wednesday, January 26 2005 11:25 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Wai (Satara): The Mandhradevi temple, where more than 300 devotees were trampled to death during an annual pilgrimage in Wai in Maharashtra, was closed today (Jan 26, 2005) even as fire brigade and police continued clearing operations.

Nearly 300 stalls were gutted and a few gas cylinders exploded after angry pilgrims attacked the stalls following the stampede yesterday 9Jan 25, 2005).

Fire brigade personnel today recovered nearly a dozen gas cylinders from the debris of the stalls with some of them found leaking.

The stampede occurred at 13:00 hrs (IST) yesterday when estimated three-lakh devotees gathered to offer prayers at the temple on the occasion of full moon.

Over 200 people were also injured in the stampede.