Haridwar stampede: Huge crowd gathers at Mansa Devi temple; 6 dead | India News

NEW DELHI: At least six people were killed and several injured in a stampede at Haridwar’s Mansa Devi temple on Sunday, following a large crowd gathering at the shrine.The incident took place around 8.30am after a rumoured snapping of an overhead power line, which allegedly fell onto a crowded section of the walkway, triggering panic among pilgrims.“We received reports of some people being injured, following which the police took immediate action. Around 35 people were brought to the hospital and 6 have been confirmed dead. The rest are undergoing treatment,” Haridwar SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal said.“Prima facie, the stampede was triggered by a rumour of an electric shock on stairs 100 metres down the temple route. We are investigating further,” he added.In a social media post on X, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that SDRF, local police and rescue teams have reached the site and are engaged in relief and rescue operations.“SDRF, 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,” Dhami said.Every year, Haridwar sees a massive influx of pilgrims during the month of Shravan, especially at the revered Har Ki Pauri and Mansa Devi Temple.This year, however, the situation turned grim due to an overwhelming crowd, triggering a stampede that has once again spotlighted the issue of crowd management at religious gatherings.(This is a developing story)