Haridwar, July 28 (V7N) — At least six people were killed and more than 30 others injured in a stampede at the popular Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, located in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand. The incident occurred on Sunday amid a large gathering of pilgrims.

According to local media reports and police sources, the tragedy unfolded after an electric wire reportedly fell within the temple premises, causing panic among the crowd. As worshippers attempted to flee in haste, chaos ensued, leading to a deadly stampede.

Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene immediately following the incident. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, with several reported to be in critical condition.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause and assess crowd management protocols at the temple, which sees a heavy influx of devotees, especially during religious festivals and weekends.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as “chaotic and terrifying,” with many devotees trapped underfoot as people rushed in multiple directions. “There was a sudden scream, and then everyone started pushing. In the panic, people lost control,” said one survivor who was treated for minor injuries.

The Mansa Devi Temple is a major pilgrimage site situated atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills. It attracts thousands of devotees daily, particularly during the holy month of Sawan and other Hindu religious occasions.

Officials have assured the public that safety arrangements will be reviewed and reinforced to prevent such incidents in the future. Senior local administration and police officials have reached the site to oversee rescue efforts and provide assistance to the victims’ families.

This tragic incident has reignited concerns over crowd control measures at major religious sites in India, where pilgrimages often draw massive, unmanaged gatherings.

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