2 killed, 32 injured in stampede amid panic over broken live wire in UP temple

Barabanki: A tragic stampede at the Avsaneshwar temple in Haidergarh claimed the lives of two devotees and injured 32 others on Monday. The incident occurred during the holy month of Shravan as worshippers gathered for the 'jalabhishek' ritual.

According to officials, the chaos began when monkeys dislodged a live electric wire, which fell onto a tin shed. The live current spread rapidly, causing panic among the gathered crowd and sparking a stampede inside the temple premises.

The deceased are Prashant (22) from Mubarakpura village and another 30-year-old man. Both succumbed to their injuries during treatment at Trivediganj Community Health Centre (CHC), reported PTI.

Ten of the injured were taken to Trivediganj CHC, with five of them referred to more advanced facilities due to critical injuries. Another 26 are receiving treatment at Haidergarh CHC, one of whom has also been referred for specialised care.

This tragedy follows closely on the heels of a similar stampede in Haridwar the previous day, where eight pilgrims lost their lives near the Mansa Devi temple. That incident, too, was linked to panic caused by fears of electric current on the route.

Barabanki District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi confirmed that monkeys had damaged the wire, causing current to pass through three tin sheds in the temple compound, leading to the panic.

After the situation was brought under control, devotees resumed prayers at the temple.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences and instructed officials to ensure timely treatment for the injured and expedite relief efforts. He also prayed for the peace of the deceased souls and the swift recovery of those hurt.