Tragedy in Haridwar: 6 Dead, 35 Injured in Stampede at Mansa Devi Temple
HARIDWAR, UTTARAKHAND – A tragic stampede at the famous Mansa Devi Temple in the holy city of Haridwar on Monday morning has claimed the lives of six people and left at least 35 others injured. The incident occurred amid a massive rush of devotees, with officials investigating whether a rumor of an electric shock sparked the deadly panic.
Emergency services, including police, district administration, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), were immediately dispatched to the scene to conduct a rescue operation. Senior officials, including Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey and Haridwar SSP Parmendra Singh Dobhal, rushed to the site to oversee the relief efforts.
What Caused the Stampede?
According to initial reports from officials, severe overcrowding was the primary factor behind the tragedy. The temple was witnessing an exceptionally heavy influx of pilgrims due to the ongoing holy month of Sawan, when devotees flock to Haridwar to offer prayers.
The situation was made more dangerous by monsoon rains, which left the steep and narrow stairs leading to the hilltop temple wet and slippery. Amid these conditions, a sudden panic erupted, leading to a chaotic and uncontrollable stampede.
Kotwali In-charge Ritesh Shah confirmed that the stampede was a result of the immense crowd.
Electrocution Rumor Under Investigation
While overcrowding created a volatile situation, authorities are closely examining claims that a rumor of electrocution was the trigger for the chaos.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey stated, “The main reason for the stampede is the heavy crowd. However, it is being said that a high-voltage wire snapped and fell, causing an electric current to run through the stairs. A rumor about this spread and caused panic, but this has not yet been confirmed. The actual cause of the accident will be known only after an investigation.”
Haridwar SSP Parmendra Singh Dobhal provided further details, confirming the casualty figures. “Six people have died. Police reached the spot as soon as the news was received. The injured were transported to the hospital with the help of locals. About 35 people are injured, but their lives are out of danger,” he said.
He added, “The preliminary investigation suggests that a rumor about an electric shock on the stairs, about 100 meters below the temple, led to the stampede. We are investigating this thoroughly. The exact cause of the accident will be clear only after the investigation is complete.”
An official inquiry is now underway to determine the definitive cause of the tragic incident.
