6 Dead in Temple Stampede in India

At least six people have died and dozens more were injured following a stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, India, on Sunday morning.

The tragedy occurred when panic spread among pilgrims after a high-voltage electric wire reportedly fell onto a temple path.

The incident took place around 8:30 a.m. local time, as thousands of worshippers gathered at the hilltop shrine during a peak pilgrimage period.

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the cause, with some officials suggesting that a fallen wire was the cause, while others suspect that a rumor may have triggered the stampede.

Authorities confirmed that six individuals lost their lives and over 30 were injured. Police and emergency services swiftly arrived at the scene to carry out relief operations. The injured have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Local officials said the situation is now under control, though the panic led to a devastating loss of life. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state leaders have extended condolences to the families of the victims.

Haridwar, located at the foothills of the Himalayas, is one of India’s most sacred cities, where pilgrims frequently gather in large numbers, especially during festivals.

Deadly stampedes remain a recurring concern across the country, with over 70 fatalities from similar incidents recorded so far this year.