Stampede at Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar Amid Huge Crowd, 6 Dead
Tragedy struck at the Maa Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, on Sunday when a stampede-like situation resulted in the loss of at least six lives. The incident occurred after a massive crowd gathered at the temple, leading to chaos and panic. The Garhwal Division Commissioner, Vinay Shankar Pandey, confirmed the death toll and stated that several people were also injured in the stampede.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated when a large number of devotees rushed to the temple, causing a bottleneck at the entrance. As people tried to push and shove their way through the crowds, the pressure built up, resulting in a stampede-like situation. The chaos was further exacerbated by the narrow pathways and inadequate infrastructure at the temple.
The stampede occurred during the peak hours of the day, when thousands of devotees had gathered at the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings. The temple is a major pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from all over the country. The sudden influx of people, however, overwhelmed the temple’s infrastructure, leading to the tragic consequences.
The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where they received medical attention. The visuals of the aftermath showed a child, likely injured in the stampede, being treated at the hospital. The child’s condition is not yet clear, and the authorities are working to provide medical assistance to all those affected.
The Uttarakhand government has launched an investigation into the incident, with the Director General of Police (DGP) ordering a magisterial inquiry. The authorities have also announced compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured.
The Maa Mansa Devi temple is a revered shrine dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi, who is believed to grant wishes to devotees. The temple is situated on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Despite its popularity, the temple has faced safety concerns in the past, with several incidents of overcrowding and accidents reported.
The recent stampede has raised questions about the temple’s preparedness to handle large crowds. The authorities have been criticized for not taking adequate measures to ensure the safety of devotees. The incident has also highlighted the need for better infrastructure and crowd management at the temple.
The stampede at Maa Mansa Devi temple is a tragic reminder of the importance of safety and preparedness, especially in areas of high footfall. It is essential for authorities to take immediate action to address the safety concerns and prevent such incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, the people of Haridwar and Uttarakhand are mourning the loss of lives and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible crowd behavior and the need for authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of devotees.
