Haridwar – A tragic stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar claimed six lives and injured over 25 devotees on Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 9 AM on the 2-km pedestrian path leading to the temple, a popular pilgrimage site during the holy Shravan month. A massive crowd had gathered, causing congestion that led to panic and chaos, according to officials.
Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the deaths, stating, “Six people died in a stampede after a huge crowd gathered at the Mansa Devi temple. I am heading to the site for further details.” Initial reports suggest a rumor about an electric current in a wire near the temple’s stairs may have sparked the panic, though police have ruled out electrocution as the cause of death. Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit noted that broken wires were found, possibly pulled by devotees climbing a wall, leading to the chaos.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow, posting on X, “The news of the stampede is heartbreaking. Rescue teams are on-site, and I’m closely monitoring the situation.” The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and medical teams rushed to the scene, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. At least 35 people were admitted, with two in critical condition.
The Mansa Devi Temple, perched on the Shivalik Hills, is a revered Siddhpeeth site dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi. The heavy influx of pilgrims during Shravan often overwhelms the narrow pathways, raising concerns about crowd management. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as devotees pushed and fell, with some fainting due to suffocation. “People were shouting about a shock, and everyone started running,” said a survivor.
Authorities are investigating the exact cause and have promised stricter crowd control measures. The community mourns the loss, with locals calling for better safety protocols at religious sites.
