Puri, Odisha – A major health emergency unfolded during the Puri Rath Yatra on June 27, 2025, as over 600 people fell ill due to intense heat and overcrowding. The situation escalated after the Taladhwaja chariot got stuck near Balagandi, leading to a sudden surge of people in the narrow lane. The combination of extreme humidity, suffocating conditions, and lack of ventilation caused many to faint or collapse.

According to official reports, around 625 individuals initially sought medical help with symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, dehydration, and exhaustion. More than 750 people received treatment by the end of the day. Emergency teams transported patients to local hospitals, including the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) and Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), where several required intensive care. Twelve patients remain in critical condition, and one person was referred to SCB Medical College in Cuttack for advanced treatment.

In total, 724 were admitted to hospitals, with 485 later discharged. Two unrelated deaths were reported due to existing health conditions.

The state health department responded with emergency measures, deploying 378 doctors, 265 additional hospital beds, and a dedicated ambulance corridor. Volunteer teams and security personnel coordinated rapid patient evacuation, and water and glucose were distributed throughout the affected areas.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and have announced reviews of crowd control and medical preparedness protocols to prevent further incidents.