Mansa Devi Temple Stampede: 6 Devotees Dead, Relief Efforts Intensify

A major accident occurred on Sunday in the Mansa Devi temple area, a major center of faith in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. In the stampede that suddenly occurred on the steps leading to the main entrance of the temple, 6 devotees tragically died, and more than 50 people were injured.

According to preliminary information, chaos ensued in the crowd after a rumor spread about an electric shock, and people tried to rush out, colliding with each other. This led to the stampede situation, as informed by the officials.

Vinay Shankar Pandey, Commissioner of the Garhwal division, stated that a large crowd had gathered in the temple at the time of the incident. After the accident, the injured devotees were immediately shifted to the hospital. Some received first aid in the temple area itself. A total of 55 people were injured, and the condition of some is critical.

Local police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have arrived at the scene, and relief and rescue operations are underway at a war footing. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and stated that contact is being maintained with the administration to keep the situation under control.

According to Haridwar's Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Singh Dobhal, "Ambulances and rescue teams were immediately dispatched after the incident. About 35 people have been admitted to the hospital for treatment, and so far, 6 deaths have been recorded."

During the month of Shravan, there is a large crowd of devotees in the temple area. Especially, thousands of Shiva devotees participating in the Kanwar Yatra arrive in Haridwar during this time. Hence, the administration states that the crowd burden is higher.

A wounded devotee said, "Suddenly the crowd increased in the temple and there was some commotion ahead. People rushed towards the back, causing some to fall. I have a serious injury on my hand."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the incident. "The incident in Haridwar is extremely sad. I share the sorrow of the families of the deceased and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," the Prime Minister said in his condolence message.

Chief Minister Dhami stated that the administration is fully focused on this, and immediate medical services are being provided to the injured. "May the grace of Mata Mansadevi ensure everyone's safety," he prayed.