Stampede near Indian temple kills 8, injures dozens

A stampede near the Mansa Devi temple in the northern Indian city of Haridwar killed eight people and left at least 34 others injured on the morning of July 26, local authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. local time on a pedestrian route leading to the hilltop temple, a major pilgrimage site. Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit said two of the injured are in critical condition and have been transferred to specialized medical facilities, while the rest are receiving treatment at the district hospital, Caliber.Az reports via Indian media. 

Among the injured are 20 men, eight women, and seven children, including five girls and two boys.

Initial reports suggested the chaos began when an overhead power line fell onto the densely crowded path, sparking fears of electrocution. Witnesses described a wave of panic as people scrambled to escape. However, officials now say the stampede may have been triggered by a rumor rather than an actual electrical fault.

"Prima facie, it seems the incident was triggered by a rumour that a power line had snapped," said one official, adding that an investigation is underway to determine the precise cause.

Police officer Ritesh Saha, who was at the scene, confirmed the area was heavily congested at the time.

“The sight of the wire falling caused immediate panic, and a desperate scramble to escape led to the stampede," he said.

Only one victim reportedly suffered electrical burns, according to hospital staff. The rest died from injuries sustained in the stampede.

In response, emergency services and police swiftly launched rescue operations. Authorities are working to identify the deceased, and post-mortem examinations are ongoing.

The state electricity provider, Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), has denied any fault with its equipment. Following a detailed inspection of power lines and electrical panels at the site, UPCL said there was no leakage of current and no evidence of electrocution.

The Mansa Devi temple attracts thousands of pilgrims daily, particularly during religious festivals, and crowd management has long been a challenge in the area.

By Sabina Mammadli