Haridwar Stampede at Mansa Devi Temple Results in Eight Fatalities and Numerous Injuries

A tragic stampede occurred at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, resulting in eight deaths and 30 injuries. The incident was triggered by a rumour about an electric current near the temple stairs, according to Haridwar's Senior Superintendent of Police, Pramendra Singh Dobal. The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority confirmed the casualties and injuries, noting that some with minor injuries were not included in the official count.

Investigation and Government Response

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a magisterial investigation into the stampede's causes. He stated, "A stampede broke out at the Mansa Devi temple in the morning because of a rumour.... We have ordered a magisterial probe into the incident and those responsible for spreading the rumour will face strict action." The Chief Minister visited injured victims at Haridwar's district hospital, assuring families of government support. Financial aid of Rs 2 lakh for deceased families and Rs 50,000 for the injured was also declared.

The stampede occurred around 9 am on Sunday when a large number of devotees gathered at the temple on Shivalik hills. Videos showed crowds, including women and children, struggling at the narrow entrance. Locals believe better crowd management could have prevented the tragedy. The temple is one of Haridwar's five sacred sites, attracting many visitors.

Reactions from Leaders

President Droupadi Murmu expressed sorrow over the incident on X, stating, "The news of the deaths of many devotees in a stampede on the way to the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar is deeply painful. I express my heartfelt condolences to all the grieving families. I pray that all the injured devotees recover quickly." Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences and wished for quick recovery of the injured.

District Magistrate Mayur Dikshit mentioned that Haridwar’s Additional District Magistrate will conduct an inquiry and submit recommendations within 15 days to prevent future incidents. Disaster Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman reported that five injured individuals were sent to AIIMS Rishikesh for advanced treatment.

Details from Witnesses and Officials

Witnesses described chaos as people ascending and descending collided in a narrow passage. Nirmala, an injured devotee, recounted from her hospital bed how people fell over each other due to overcrowding. She said, "People coming back from the temple pushed those climbing upwards and then people began falling over each other. Nothing could be seen because of the crowd."

The deceased were identified as Arush (12), Vipin Saini (18), Shakal Dev (18), Vicky (18), Vishal (19), Vakil (43), Shanti (60), and Ram Bharose (65). They hailed from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Bihar. Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey emphasised prioritising swift recovery for those injured.

Search operations continued along the route to ensure no victims were overlooked in nearby bushes or ditches. District Magistrate Dikshit noted that initial findings suggest panic ensued from rumours about electricity running through broken wires.

Haridwar SSP Doval explained that rumours about electric current spread rapidly near stairs about 100 meters below the temple, causing panic. However, he assured that a thorough investigation is ongoing to ascertain all details surrounding this tragic event.

Locals criticised administrative oversight given anticipated crowds at Mansa Devi temple. Videos captured men, women, and children trapped in narrow passages leading to the temple. Some managed to lift children above their heads amidst congestion.

Authorities closed access half an hour before the stampede to prevent further escalation. Shah stated this action likely mitigated greater disaster potential: "People were stopped from going on the staircase half an hour before the accident in the morning as the crowd was too big."

With inputs from PTI