A stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar on Sunday morning left at least eight people dead and dozens injured, following a surge of pilgrims during the Shravan month. The tragedy occurred around 8:30 AM on the stairway leading to the temple.

Authorities believe the stampede may have been sparked by panic after a rumour spread that a high-tension power line had snapped and fallen near the crowd. Although no official confirmation of electrocution has been made, the rumour reportedly triggered chaos among the pilgrims.

Haridwar Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Singh Dobal said 35 injured individuals were taken to hospital, with six initially confirmed dead. “We are still investigating the cause, but initial reports suggest panic was triggered by fear of electric shock around 100 metres from the temple,” he said.

Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and emergency services responded quickly to the scene. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the situation is being monitored closely and that relief operations are ongoing.

One survivor told ANI, “Just before reaching the temple—about 20 to 25 steps away—the crowd became uncontrollable. I fell down with several others. I’ve found three of my family members, but two are still missing.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended condolences via social media, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and assuring that local authorities are providing assistance to those affected.

Mansa Devi temple, along with Har Ki Pauri, witnesses large gatherings every Shravan. This year’s crowd was significantly higher, raising concerns once again about safety and crowd control measures during religious festivals.

Officials have launched an investigation into the incident, as focus turns to ensuring stricter management and infrastructure readiness at such high-footfall pilgrimage sites.

Image Source: Google
Image Credit: Respective Owner