A stampede at a temple in northern India has claimed the lives of at least 65 people.

Hundreds of people panicked in the Ram Janki temple in Uttar Pradesh after the main gate collapsed.

A local official said thousands were gathered at the temple.

[Brij Lal, Addl. Director General of Law and Order, Pratapgarh]:

"Around four to five thousand devotees were assembled there when the main gate of the temple collapsed in which more than 30 people have died so far."

Police and local residents were on hand to help carry the injured to a nearby hospital. 

The death toll is expected to grow.

Stampedes are relatively common in temples when thousands gather to pray during festivals.