 "File photo of Mansa Devi temple")
A tragic stampede incident has happened at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, in which six people have been killed, according to the latest reports. Officials said the tragedy unfolded on Sunday morning (July 27) as a large crowd of devotees gathered at the well-known shrine.
Officials stated that electrocution rumour likely triggered panic among the devotees, leading to the stampede.
“Prima facie, the stampede was triggered by a rumour of an electric shock on stairs 100 metres down the temple route. We are investigating further," SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal told news agency ANI.
He added that around 35 people were taken to hospital for treatment.
Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the incident to news agency ANI, stating, “Six people have died in a stampede after a huge crowd gathered at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar. I am leaving for the spot. A detailed report of the incident is awaited.”
The chaos erupted as a massive number of worshippers flooded the temple, triggering panic. Police and administrative teams were quickly dispatched to the scene upon receiving news of the stampede.
CM, PM react
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami shared his sorrow over the tragedy and said he is closely following the situation. He noted that relief and rescue teams are at the scene, actively conducting operations.
“A very tragic incident of a stampede has been reported on the route to the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar. @uksdrf, local police, and other rescue teams have reached the spot and are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I am in constant touch with the local administration regarding this and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to Mata Rani for the safety and well-being of all devotees," Dhami posted on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the loss of lives and said that the local administration is extending assistance to the grieving families.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede on the route to Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected," PMO tweeted.