Haridwar stampede: Huge crowd gathers at Mansa Devi temple; 8 dead

NEW DELHI: At least eight people were killed and several injured in a stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple on Sunday, following a large crowd gathering at the shrine.

VIDEO | Haridwar, Uttarakhand: Stampede-like situation at Mansa Devi Temple. Injured admitted to the hospital; casualties feared. More details awaited.

(Full video available on PTI Videos- https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/gQ5SdtXjaR

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 27, 2025

The incident took place around 8.30am after a rumoured snapping of an overhead power line, which allegedly fell onto a crowded section of the walkway, triggering panic among pilgrims.

"We received reports of some people being injured, following which the police took immediate action. Around 35 people were brought to the hospital and 6 have been confirmed dead. The rest are undergoing treatment," Haridwar SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal said.

"Prima facie, the stampede was triggered by a rumour of an electric shock on stairs 100 metres down the temple route. We are investigating further," he added.

In a social media post on X, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that SDRF, local police and rescue teams have reached the site and are engaged in relief and rescue operations.

"Just 20-25 steps before the temple premises, the crowd became uncontrollable... I fell down along with 10 to 12 others... I found 3 of my family members, but 2 are still missing," a pilgrim to news agency ANI.

"SDRF, local police, and other rescue teams have reached the site and are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I am in constant contact with the local administration regarding this matter, and the situation is being closely monitored," Dhami said.

हरिद्वार स्थित मनसा देवी मंदिर मार्ग में भगदड़ मचने का अत्यंत दुःखद समाचार प्राप्त हुआ है। @uksdrf, स्थानीय पुलिस तथा अन्य बचाव दल मौके पर पहुंचकर राहत एवं बचाव कार्यों में जुटे हुए हैं।

इस संबंध में निरंतर स्थानीय प्रशासन के संपर्क में हूं और स्थिति पर लगातार निगरानी रखी जा रही…

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) July 27, 2025

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences over the incident and said that the local administration is assisting those affected.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede on the route to Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected," Prime Minister's office said in a social media post on X.

Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede on the route to Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 27, 2025

Every year, Haridwar sees a massive influx of pilgrims during the month of Shravan, especially at the revered Har Ki Pauri and Mansa Devi Temple.

This year, however, the situation turned grim due to an overwhelming crowd, triggering a stampede that has once again spotlighted the issue of crowd management at religious gatherings.

(This is a developing story)