A tragic stampede erupted on a bustling Sunday morning at the revered Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. This incident has claimed 6 lives, leaving several others gravely wounded. According to officials, overwhelming crowds along the temple's main approach contributed to the chaos. On receiving reports, local police and administrative teams arrived promptly to launch relief efforts. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dhami expressed his sorrow over the event.
Vishay Shankar Pandey, the Garhwal Division Commissioner, informed ANI news agency about the incident. He confirmed that the stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple has resulted in 6 casualties, stating he is en route to the scene.
Were Electric Currents Responsible for the Stampede?
Preliminary information suggests the tragedy occurred on the stairway path. Initial fears arose of an electric current, causing panic among devotees. However, Garhwal's DC Vinay Kumar denied any current-related claims in a special interaction with AajTak.
He announced that an investigation into the causes of this incident is underway, affirming that 15 people sustained injuries, with 6 fatalities confirmed. Though the tragedy unfolded in the morning, the situation is now reportedly under control.
Chief Minister's Expression of Grief
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his heartfelt condolences regarding the incident. He wrote on X, 'Received extremely sad news about a stampede at Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar. UKSDRF, local police, and rescue teams are on-site engaged in relief operations. I am in constant contact with local authorities and am monitoring the situation closely, praying for the safety of all devotees.'
The Morning Stampede: SP's Account
SP Pramod Singh provided insight into the incident, stating that a report came to the control room at 9 AM regarding injuries following a stampede on the temple's main path. Police immediately arrived at the scene to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Approximately 35 individuals were hospitalized, with doctors confirming 6 deaths.
He mentioned that critically injured persons have been transferred to other medical facilities, with treatment ongoing for others.
Upon examining potential causes, it was initially rumored an electric mishap on the main route led to panic, but a definitive cause remains undetermined. The occurrence took place on the stairway path.
'Electric Pole Sparks Stampede,' Says Eyewitness
Contrary to official statements, an eyewitness reported a short-circuit near a pole at the temple. Following this incident, rumors of electric current spreading incited panic.
Local officials stated the stampede occurred as a massive number of devotees gathered on the temple's main route. Being a Sunday, visitor numbers were particularly high, leading to an uncontrollable situation amid sudden turmoil. Although an atmosphere of chaos enveloped the temple and its vicinity post-incident, the situation has been stabilized.
Following the accident, police and administrative units have been actively ferrying the injured to nearby hospitals. While precise casualty numbers await official confirmation, additional forces have been deployed to restore order.
