The stampede took place at the Naina Devi temple which holds the annual religious festival [File:EPA]

The accident occured on Sunday at the Naina Devi temple in the state's Bilaspur district, where tens of thousands of people have gathered for the nine-day festival which started on Saturday.

"68 people are confirmed dead and 45 others are injured," KK Indoria, police superintendent of Bilaspur, said earlier.

CP Verma, a senior police officer, said 30 children and 38 women were among the people killed in the stampede.

Police officials fear the death toll could increase.

Verma said the stampede was triggered when too many pilgrims tried to squeeze into a small area.

However, SR Mardi, the state police chief, said it was caused when a railing on the path leading up the mountain collapsed.

He said rescue workers used a cable car at the temple to help evacuate the injured from the mountain top.

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