A large crowd had reportedly gathered at the temple due to the holy Shraavana season
Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar: What Caused the Uttarakhand Stampede?
What Caused the Uttarakhand Stampede?: In a tragic incident on Sunday morning (around 9am), six people lost their lives in a stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, officials confirmed.
The incident also left 35 others injured, according to SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal, who told ANI that the injured are currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. An investigation into the incident is underway.
As per preliminary reports, the stampede was triggered by a rumour of an electric shock on the stairs leading up to the temple.
“Prima facie, the stampede was triggered by a rumour of an electric shock on the stairs, about 100 metres down the temple route. We are investigating further,” said SSP Dobal.
District Magistrate Mayur Dixit also confirmed the death toll and announced a magisterial inquiry into the incident to determine who spread the rumour that led to the chaos. He added that there was no indication of any electric wire breakage at the site.
“We found through photos and videos that someone spread the rumour of electric wire breaking, while looking at the injured or the dead, we did not get any such indication... We will investigate who spread the rumour that caused the stampede and a magisterial inquiry will be set up investigating cameras and other means... The death of 6 people has been confirmed...",” said DM Dixit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.
“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,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.
Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also posted on X, “It is extremely distressing to receive news of a stampede on the route to the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar. The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management team, local police, and other rescue teams have reached the site and are engaged in relief and rescue operations.”
“I am in constant contact with the local administration regarding this matter, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to the Mother Goddess for the safety and well-being of all devotees,” he added.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, a large crowd had reportedly gathered at the temple due to the holy Shraavana season.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami following the incident ordered a magisterial inquiry and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He also visited the district hospital in Haridwar and met those injured.
Chief Minister speaaking to media said that some of the injured have been referred to AIIMS Rishikesh.
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