A tragic stampede near the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar on Sunday has left at least six pilgrims dead and dozens more injured. The chaos broke out following a widespread rumor that an electric current was running through the staircase leading up to the temple. The panic triggered people to rush in all directions, resulting in a deadly crush.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday at the start of the stairway known as Ram Prasad Ki Gali. This lane marks the beginning of the uphill path that leads to the famous Mansa Devi Temple, one of Haridwar’s most visited shrines. During the Sawan month, Haridwar attracts an overwhelming number of pilgrims daily, many of whom head to Mansa Devi after taking a holy dip in the Ganges.

Thousands of devotees use either the ropeway or the stairs to reach the hilltop shrine. However, on this day, the number of pilgrims exceeded the usual limit, creating a dangerously overcrowded situation.

Sudden Panic Turns Into Tragedy

According to initial reports, the stampede broke out due to a false alarm. Someone in the crowd allegedly screamed about an electric shock on the stairs. The word spread rapidly, leading to panic and a desperate scramble to escape.

People lost balance, fell, and got trampled. Others tried to climb over barricades and escape the tightly packed crowd. In the rush, many were crushed underfoot. Eyewitnesses describe the moment as terrifying and chaotic. Screams filled the air as people tried to help each other while fearing for their lives.

Among the injured was a pilgrim from Bihar who said the area was extremely crowded. He recalled that people began running without understanding what was happening, and many fell and got hurt. The atmosphere quickly turned into confusion and horror.

Police Respond Quickly, Confirms Deaths and Injuries

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Haridwar, Pramendra Singh Dobal, spoke to the media and confirmed the incident. He said they received a call at 9 AM via the police control room about a possible stampede near the Mansa Devi Temple pathway.

Police teams arrived on the scene immediately and helped transport the injured to nearby hospitals. According to Dobal, at least 35 injured people were given emergency care. Sadly, six of them were declared dead upon arrival.

Initial investigation suggests the stampede occurred around 100 meters below the temple steps. A rumor about current flowing through the metal railing or stair surface likely sparked the chaos. Authorities are currently investigating all possible causes.

Uttarakhand Government Takes Swift Action

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. He confirmed that he is in direct contact with the local administration and monitoring the situation closely.

Taking to social media, Dhami wrote on X, “Extremely saddened by the news of the stampede on the Mansa Devi Temple route in Haridwar. SDRF, local police, and emergency teams have reached the site and are conducting rescue operations. I am in constant contact with the local administration and overseeing relief efforts. I pray for the safety of all pilgrims.”

His statement came amid rising concern from across the country as videos and photos of the incident surfaced online, showing the scale of the crowd and emergency efforts underway.

Sawan Month Sees Unprecedented Pilgrim Crowds in Haridwar

The ongoing Sawan month is known for drawing lakhs of devotees to Haridwar daily. Most of them participate in ritual bathing in the Ganga followed by darshan at important temples including Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi, and Har Ki Pauri.

The Mansa Devi Temple, located atop the Bilwa Parvat, is accessible through steep staircases and a ropeway. Due to religious significance and belief that wishes are fulfilled here, pilgrims come in massive numbers during this time of the year.

On weekends and auspicious dates, the crowd can swell uncontrollably, as seen this Sunday. Despite police deployments and administrative arrangements, crowd control becomes extremely challenging.

Stampede Highlights Gaps in Crowd Management and Infrastructure

This tragedy has once again brought attention to the critical need for better infrastructure at religious sites. Experts have long warned that high footfall areas, especially those located on hilly terrains, require specific crowd control mechanisms.

The narrow lanes leading to the Mansa Devi Temple, along with steep stairs and limited emergency exits, make the area vulnerable to such disasters. Local authorities have been urged to upgrade surveillance, deploy more personnel, and install alert systems to manage future surges.

The incident also highlights the dangers of misinformation. In this case, a simple unverified rumor caused panic that proved fatal. Law enforcement agencies may now consider deploying more loudspeakers, real-time communication tools, and public awareness drives.

Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Shocking Scenes of Panic

Several devotees who survived the stampede spoke of terrifying moments as people fell over each other. Some were crushed as others tried to climb to safety. A few people tried to help others but were pushed by the frantic movement of the crowd.

Medical teams at Haridwar hospitals worked continuously to provide care to the injured. Many of them were found unconscious or suffering from fractures and trauma. Most of the deceased have yet to be officially identified, and their families are being contacted.

Authorities have set up an emergency helpline and control room to assist with inquiries and provide medical updates to relatives.

Rescue Teams Continue Operations, Crowd Reduced by Afternoon

As the news spread, more police forces and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed to the area. Barricades were reinforced and the entrance to the Mansa Devi stairway was temporarily sealed to prevent further crowding.

By afternoon, the crowd had started to thin out, and many pilgrims were diverted to other routes. The ropeway remained operational but was also subjected to strict monitoring.

Officials from the Haridwar district administration have promised a thorough inquiry. Statements will be recorded from witnesses, volunteers, and police officers on duty at the time.

Safety Audits and Protocol Review Expected Soon

Following the stampede, the Uttarakhand government is expected to initiate a fresh safety audit of all high-footfall temples in the state. There may also be reviews of existing emergency response frameworks and a possible increase in public address systems along pilgrimage routes.

Pilgrimage safety, especially during Sawan and Kumbh, will now likely receive more attention from both state and central authorities. Religious tourism remains a major part of Haridwar’s identity, and ensuring safety is critical to maintaining faith and confidence among devotees.

National Mourning and Condolences Pour In

The tragic loss of lives has prompted mourning across the nation. Several leaders from different political parties expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. Religious organizations have also joined in prayers for the injured.

Many people on social media demanded better crowd control systems at pilgrimage sites. Activists and community leaders have called for permanent infrastructure like wider stairs, multiple exits, and digital signage to be installed.

The incident is now a stark reminder of how miscommunication and overcrowding can prove deadly in spiritual settings.

What was supposed to be a day of devotion turned into a scene of horror. The stampede at Mansa Devi Temple has exposed serious lapses in crowd control and information flow.

While rumors were the spark, the lack of quick coordination in the first few seconds proved dangerous. The efforts by local police and SDRF saved many lives, but the incident has left the region in grief.

A full investigation is underway, and updates from the Uttarakhand government are expected soon. For now, Haridwar mourns, and the country watches with hope that lessons will be learned, and lives will be saved in the future.