Six Lives Lost In Tragic Stampede At Mansa Devi Temple During Pilgrimage In Haridwar

A tragic incident occurred at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, where six individuals lost their lives and several others were injured in a stampede. The chaos unfolded on the staircases leading to the main temple. Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the fatalities to news agency ANI, noting that he was en route to the temple.

The stampede took place during Sawan, a significant Hindu month when devotees flock to pilgrimage sites in large numbers. Haridwar is particularly popular among Shiv devotees known as Kanwariyas, who visit to collect water from the Ganga River. This influx of visitors contributed to the crowd at the Mansa Devi temple.

Rescue Efforts and Response

Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami expressed his distress over the incident, stating: "It is extremely distressing to receive news of a stampede on the route to the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar. @uksdrf, 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 Mother Goddess for the safety and well-being of all devotees."

Visuals from the scene depicted injured pilgrims being transported to hospitals via ambulances, while others received medical attention on-site. Rescue teams, including local police and disaster response forces, promptly arrived at the location to manage relief efforts.

The tragedy has cast a shadow over what is typically a time of spiritual significance for many Hindus visiting Haridwar. Authorities are working diligently to ensure that those affected receive necessary care and support during this difficult time.