6 killed, 28 injured in stampede at Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar

‘People were running, falling and climbing over each other’: Survivors recount horror

- Amit Bathla and Sandeep Rawat

At least six people were killed and 28 people injured in a stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Uttarakhand's Haridwar on Sunday morning, officials aware of the matter said, adding that five are seriously injured and were rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh.

The stampede reportedly broke out around 9am on the stairway route leading to the Mansa Devi temple. “Six people have been confirmed dead. Those in serious condition have been referred to higher medical centres,” Haridwar district magistrate Mayur Dixit said, adding that as per initial reports, a rumour of electric current led to stampede.

“The exact cause of the stampede will be investigated. Initial reports, including eyewitness accounts indicate that no electric current was present at the site. However, a false rumour about an electric shock caused panic among pilgrims on the staircase leading to the Mata Mansa Devi temple.”

“We dispatched three teams to the site as soon as we received information about the stampede,” State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi said.

Police identified the deceased as Arush (12), a resident of Bareilly in UP; Shakal Dev (18), a resident of Araria in Bihar; Vicky (18), a resident of Rampur in UP; Vipin Saini (18), a resident of Kashipur in Uttarakhand; Vakil, a resident of Barabanki in UP; Shanti Devi, a resident of Budaun in UP.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and asked officials to take prompt action. He announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 each for the injured.

Dhami issued directions to strengthen crowd management at all major religious sites in the state.

He instructed officials to enhance CCTV surveillance systems, install clear directional signs, implement emergency evacuation plans on pedestrian routes, and ensure better coordination among local administrative units.