6 dead, over 30 injured in stampede at Haridwar’s Mansa Devi temple

Six people were killed and several others injured after a stampede broke out at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar on Sunday morning, reported PTI.

The chaos was triggered by a rumour about an electric current near the staircase leading up to the temple, prompting a wave of panic among the devotees, Haridwar Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Singh Dobal told PTI Videos. The stampede occurred around 9.30 am.

Approximately 35 individuals were taken to the hospital, and six of them succumbed to their injuries, Dobal confirmed. Footage from the hospital captured anxious relatives waiting outside for updates on their loved ones. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the fire department were quickly deployed to the location for rescue efforts.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the tragedy and said that authorities were closely watching the developments.

"Very sad news has been received about a stampede on the way to the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar. SDRF, local police and other rescue teams have reached the spot and are engaged in relief and rescue operations," Dhami stated in a Facebook post.

"I am constantly in touch with the local administration in this regard, and the situation is being constantly monitored. I pray to Mata Rani for the safety of all the devotees," he added.

Located over 500 feet above sea level on the Shivalik Hills, the Mansa Devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi and is regarded as one of Haridwar’s five sacred pilgrimage sites, also known as the Panch Tirthas.