Haridwar Tragedy: Six Lives Lost in Stampede at Mansa Devi Temple

Haridwar Tragedy: Six Lives Lost in Stampede at Mansa Devi Temple
Haridwar, Uttarakhand, July 27, 2025 β A heart-wrenching stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar claimed six lives and injured several others on Sunday morning. The incident occurred at around 10:50 AM IST during the holy month of Shravan, when thousands of devotees had gathered at the revered temple atop the Shivalik Hills to offer prayers to Goddess Mansa Devi.
What Happened?
The stampede reportedly erupted near the templeβs narrow staircase pathway, overwhelmed by a massive influx of pilgrims. Initial reports suggest that a sudden panic, possibly triggered by an electrocution incident, led to the catastrophic surge. Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey stated, βSix devotees lost their lives in a stampede at Mansa Devi Temple due to an unprecedented crowd. We are investigating the matter, and a detailed report is forthcoming.β
The Mansa Devi Temple, a key pilgrimage site among Haridwarβs panch tirthas, draws countless worshippers, particularly during Shravan. The templeβs elevated location and limited access routes likely exacerbated the situation, leading to the tragic outcome.
Immediate Response
Local police, along with the Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), acted swiftly to control the situation and initiate rescue operations. The injured were promptly transported to nearby medical facilities, including GD Hospital, where doctors are providing critical care. Authorities are working to ensure the safety of remaining devotees and prevent further chaos.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow, saying, βThe loss of lives in the Mansa Devi Temple stampede is profoundly tragic. Our teams, including SDRF and local police, are fully engaged in relief efforts to support the victims and their families.β
Ongoing Investigation
While the precise cause of the stampede is still under review, officials are probing potential factors, including crowd management lapses and the reported electrocution. Haridwar SSP assured that a thorough investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances and prevent future incidents.
This tragedy follows a disturbing pattern of stampedes at religious sites in 2025, including incidents at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala (January 8) and the Maha Kumbh in Sangam (January 29). These events have reignited calls for enhanced safety protocols at Indiaβs sacred sites.
A Need for Reform
The Mansa Devi Temple stampede underscores the urgent need for better crowd management and infrastructure upgrades at religious hotspots. With Haridwar being a spiritual cornerstone, authorities must prioritize robust safety measures, regular inspections, and improved access routes to safeguard devotees.
As the nation grieves, the focus is on supporting the affected families and ensuring such tragedies are not repeated. The administration has promised a detailed report, and relief efforts continue at the site.
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