6 killed, many injured in stampede at Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar

The stampede reportedly occurred after a rumour about an electric current near the start of the temple stairs sent devotees into a panic

At least six people were killed and many were injured after a stampede at the shrine of Goddess Mansa Devi in Uttarakhand's Haridwar on Sunday, reported news agency ANI.

 

The incident reportedly took place around 9.30 am. About 35 people were rushed to hospital and six of them died, Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Singh Dobal told news agency PTI.     "Six people dead in a stampede after a huge crowd gathered at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar. I am leaving for the spot. A detailed report of the incident is awaited," Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey told ANI. 

What led to the stampede?

 

According to SSP Dobal, rumour of an electric current where the stairs to the temple begin sent the devotees into a panic, which lead to the stampede.

Chief minister reacts

  Reacting to the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami asserted that the situation was being monitored.  

"Very sad news has been received about a stampede on the way to Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar. SDRF, local police and other rescue teams have reached the spot and are engaged in relief and rescue operations," Dhami said in a post on Facebook.

 

"I am constantly in touch with the local administration in this regard and the situation is being constantly monitored. I pray to Mata Rani for the safety of all the devotees," he added.  Dhami also said a magisterial probe has been ordered into the incident and strict action would be taken against those who spread the rumour.  (With inputs from agency)