A tragic stampede unfolded Sunday morning at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, nestled in the hills of Uttarakhand. This led to the heartbreaking loss of six lives, while many others suffered injuries that required hospital care. The temple, elevated on a hill, experienced a surge in visitors following the opening of pathways after the Kanwar Yatra, which quickly escalated into chaos and a devastating stampede.
Perched atop the hill, access to the temple requires pilgrims to traverse narrow paths and steep, compact stairs. This, combined with the sudden influx of the crowd, resulted in people falling on one another, leading to the unfortunate deaths of six individuals. Alerted to the crisis, police and administration swiftly arrived on the scene, working tirelessly to safely evacuate visitors from the temple premises.
Read More: Stampede in Haridwar's Mansa Devi Temple Claims Six Lives Amidst Electricity Shock Speculation
Rescue Operations for Stampede Victims Enacted
Vinay Kumar, the Garhwal Deputy Commissioner, reported that the stampede at Mansa Devi Temple tragically took the lives of six individuals. An investigation is underway to discern the incident's causes, as reports indicate 15 people were injured. Thankfully, all affected individuals have been rescued, and the situation is currently under control.
Did Electricity Rumors Spark the Stampede?
SP Pramendra Singh noted the stampede chaos erupted around 9 AM. Prompt police response ensured that victims received swift medical attention, although the aftermath left six dead and others injured. Recovery efforts saw 35 people hospitalized, where sadly, six were declared deceased. Investigations into the incident's precursors suggest rumors of an electrical shock triggered the panic on the temple stairs.
Eyewitness Reports Short Circuit Fueled Stampede Fear
Eyewitness Bunty at the scene described a short circuit near a pole by the temple, where panic ensued following claims of electric shocks, leading to the stampede as frightened devotees sought relief.
Chief Minister Expresses Condolences
Expressing sorrow over the incident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami voiced his lamentation over the tragic events at Mansa Devi Temple. He confirmed that local police and rescue teams have been tirelessly working on relief and rescue missions.
Continuous communication with local authorities has been maintained, as the situation is meticulously monitored. The Chief Minister also expressed prayers for the safety and well-being of all devotees involved.
