**Tragic Stampede at Haridwar Temple Claims Lives of Six Devotees**
A distressing video has emerged from the recent stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, showcasing the chaos and urgency as devotees attempted to flee the scene. Captured outside the temple, the footage reveals a crowd frantically surging in various directions, with one man desperately shouting “peeche jaao” (go back) in an effort to manage the panic. As individuals pushed against one another to escape the overwhelming crowd, some were seen trying to climb a nearby structure to avoid being crushed.
On Sunday, the stampede resulted in the tragic deaths of at least six people and left over 25 others injured. This incident occurred as a massive influx of devotees gathered along the stairway leading to the popular shrine. Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the fatalities, stating, “Six people have died in a stampede after a huge crowd gathered at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar. I am leaving for the spot. A detailed report of the incident is awaited.”
The chaos reportedly erupted when devotees noticed an electric current near a pole close to the temple, prompting panic and the subsequent stampede. Eyewitness Bunty recounted, “There was a pole near the temple where people said they felt an electric current. That’s when people started panicking and a stampede followed.” However, police have since ruled out electrocution as the cause of the incident.
In response to the unfolding situation, police and administrative teams were dispatched to the site to manage the crisis. Rescue and relief operations are currently underway, with authorities working to identify the victims and assess the circumstances surrounding the incident. Five of the injured individuals have been transferred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families affected by this tragedy, stating, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede on the route to Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.”
As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of life and reflects on the need for improved safety measures during large gatherings at religious sites.
**FAQ**
**What caused the stampede at the Mansa Devi temple?**
The stampede was triggered by panic among devotees who believed they felt an electric current near a pole at the temple. However, police have ruled out electrocution as the cause of the incident.
