Stampede kills seven during festival in India

A deadly stampede broke out at a Hindu temple in eastern India's Bihar state after a snapped electric wire reportedly triggered panic among worshippers.

Seven people have been killed with dozens more injured.

The incident occurred near Ashok Dham Temple in Lakhisarai district, as thousands of devotees gathered to offer prayers on the third Monday of Shravan, one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar.

The period is dedicated to the worship of Hindu god Lord Shiva and is marked by fasting, prayers and colourful monsoon festivals across India.

A section of the barricades collapsed under the weight of the surging crowd, leading to a crush in which people fell over one another.