“Prima facie, the stampede was triggered by a rumour of an electric shock on the stairs"

Uttarakhand: At Least Six Dead, Several Injured in Stampede at Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar

At least six people have died and several others were injured in a stampede that occurred on the staircase leading to the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, on Sunday, Uttarakhand Police confirmed.

Speaking to ANI about the Haridwar stampede, SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal said, "We received reports of some people being injured, following which the police took immediate action. Around 35 people were brought to the hospital, and six have been confirmed dead. The rest are undergoing treatment."

According to preliminary information, the stampede was caused by an electric shock on the stairs.

“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," SSP Dobal added.

The exact cause of the stampede is yet to be ascertained. However, according to a report by Hindustan Times, a large crowd had reportedly gathered at the temple due to the holy Shraavana season.

As per a report by ANI, Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey also confirmed the fatalities.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), called the incident “extremely distressing” and said that police and other rescue teams had reached the spot.

“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,” the post read.

“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.

This is a developing story.