A panic stampede at a hilltop Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar on Sunday turned a normal prayer into panic and tragedy. The hundreds of seekers congregated to gain the blessings.
Stampede Sparks Panic at 500-ft High Mansa Devi Temple
At the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, atop the Shivalik Hills, the devotees were closely packed around 9 AM today morning to pray. It was the weekend, so the crowd was huge. Rumour of an electric current near the temple steps caused a sudden fright, and in a moment it all ran to a stampede.
Focus on Eyewitness Videos: Crowd Pushed to Retreat in Panic
The videos at the scene were horrific: people yelling, children and women trapped in the crowd, and voices in the background yelling at the devotees to go back, go back! One could witness a man urging the crowd to move not further, and others attempting to give injured children some space and protection.
Focus on the Casualties: 6 Dead, Many Injured
As per the SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal, around 35 people were quickly taken to hospitals, but 6 of them were pronounced dead. Relatives of the injured looked anxiously outside the hospital, hoping to get any information about their loved ones.
Government Action: Probe Ordered, Relief in Motion
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami described the incident as heartbreaking and directed a magisterial-level inquiry and severe action against the rumour mongers. He promised that rescue teams, such as SDRF and police, were in motion on the ground. PM Narendra Modi too left a condolence, consoling and assuring the fullest support by the local administration.
Helpline Numbers Issued
Helpline numbers have been issued by the state disaster management department to the people who want information about their relatives.
Please have a look at these Helpline Numbers.
State Emergency Operation Center, Dehradun: 0135-2710334, 2710335, 8218867005, and 9058441404.