Temple Tragedy in Uttarakhand: Stampede at Mansa Devi Temple Kills Six

Panic Triggered by Fallen Electric Wire Leads to Deadly Crush in Haridwar

At least six people have died and dozens more were injured in a tragic stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, located in Uttarakhand, northern India. The incident occurred on Sunday, when panic broke out among a large crowd of devotees following the reported fall of a high-voltage electric wire near the temple pathway.

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Electric Shock Rumors Spark Mass Panic

According to initial reports, the electric wire either snapped or fell onto the crowded temple route, sparking fears of electrocution. Witnesses described a sudden rush of people trying to flee the area, resulting in a crush that overwhelmed those in the dense crowd.

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Victims Mostly Women and Elderly

Local authorities confirmed that six individuals lost their lives in the chaos, while over 30 others sustained injuries, some of them critical. Most of the victims were women and elderly devotees, who were unable to escape the tightly packed crowd.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, and injured persons were quickly transported to nearby hospitals in Haridwar for treatment.

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Large Pilgrimage Crowd Gathers During Holy Month

The tragedy unfolded during the ongoing Shravan month, one of the holiest periods in the Hindu calendar, when thousands of pilgrims flock to temples like Mansa Devi, which sits atop the Shivalik Hills and is a revered site dedicated to the goddess Durga.

Local officials said crowd control measures were in place but may have been overwhelmed by the unexpected surge of devotees and the ensuing panic.

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Investigation Ordered Into Safety Lapses

The Uttarakhand government has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. Authorities are examining whether the electrical infrastructure around the temple was properly maintained and if crowd management protocols were followed.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and announced compensation for the deceased and injured.