Six Dead, Panic Grips Devotees in Haridwar Temple Stampede

A stampede at Haridwar’s Mansa Devi temple killed six and injured many after panic broke out over a rumoured live wire. The incident occurred on a crowded stairway, prompting immediate rescue efforts. Authorities are investigating the cause, while the temple has been closed and injured pilgrims rushed to hospitals.

Six people lost their lives and over a dozen were injured in a stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple on Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 9 am on the stairway route leading up to the temple, which is perched on Bilwa Parvat and attracts thousands of pilgrims daily.

According to initial accounts from the Haridwar district magistrate, the chaos was triggered when someone allegedly shouted about a live electric wire. This sudden panic among devotees caused a ripple effect, resulting in a deadly crush. A boundary wall near the stairway is also believed to have contributed to the crowd surge.

Eyewitnesses described hearing cries for help as confusion spread quickly among the foot-access-only pathway. Local vendors and residents struggled to comprehend the unfolding situation until ambulances and police reached the spot. Rescue operations were launched immediately by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), who confirmed the involvement of three teams in relief efforts.

Haridwar district magistrate Mayur Dixit stated that the injured have been taken to nearby hospitals, with the severely hurt referred to advanced medical centres. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and verify witness claims.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his grief and said he is monitoring the situation closely. In a statement, he prayed for the safety of all devotees and assured that the SDRF and local authorities were conducting all necessary operations on-site.

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After the stampede, temple gates were shut and pilgrims were asked to leave the premises. The Mansa Devi temple, a significant pilgrimage site, is normally accessed via a 1.5 km trek or ropeway and sees massive footfall during weekends and festivals.