The death toll in the stampede that occurred at Haridwar’s Mansa Devi Temple on Sunday morning has risen to eight, with at least 30 people reported injured, according to the Haridwar District Administration.
The incident took place around 9:00 a.m. when a large crowd of devotees was climbing nearly 800 steps to reach the hilltop shrine. Officials said the crowd became unmanageable, leading to a tragic stampede.
Soon after the incident, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the fire brigade rushed to the scene and launched rescue operations.
Speaking to Media, one of the injured said, “Just 20-25 steps before the temple premises, the crowd became uncontrollable. I fell along with 10 to 12 others. I have found three of my family members, but two are still missing.”
Another injured person shared, “Suddenly, a huge crowd gathered, and a stampede occurred. I fell during the rush and fractured my hand.”
President of the Mansa Devi Mandir Trust, Mahant Ravindra Puri, told Media, “There are three ways to reach the temple — via ropeway, vehicular road, and the ancient walking path from Har Ki Pauri. Despite police efforts, barricades, and prior warnings, the crowd continued to swell. Someone slipped, triggering the stampede. Temple authorities and police rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to the district hospital. This was not an incident of electrocution, and there are no such signs. We will support the families of the victims.”
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pramendra Singh Dobhal said, “We’ve discussed the situation with the temple trust and concluded that a one-way system is necessary. It will be implemented immediately. SP City has been appointed as the nodal officer and given additional powers. Given the heavy Sawan crowds, we are reviewing all safety arrangements. A case has also been registered.”
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered a magisterial inquiry and announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath also expressed his condolences and announced ₹2 lakh financial aid for the families of the deceased from UP.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several other national leaders expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives in the incident.
By Sunday evening, the Mansa Devi Temple was reopened to devotees under enhanced security.
District Magistrate Mayur Dixit said, “The temple has reopened for darshan. We held a review meeting to improve safety arrangements. The site has been inspected. A magistrate-level inquiry will provide further details. Additional forces will be deployed at the location.” (Sources)
