6 killed, many injured in Haridwar temple stampede after ‘electric shock’ rumor sparks panic

In a tragic turn of events during the sacred month of Sawan, six devotees lost their lives and several others sustained injuries in a stampede triggered by panic near the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, on July 27 morning.

The stampede occurred around 9 a.m. on the steep staircase leading to the temple, located atop Bilwa Parvat, after a rumor about an “electricity hazard” spread rapidly through the crowd. What began as a surge of pilgrims seeking the goddess's blessings turned into a deadly scramble for safety.

“There were reports of an electric wire posing danger, which created panic among the devotees climbing toward the temple. This sparked the stampede,” said IG Law and Order Nilesh Bharne. “We are investigating the exact cause and ensuring proper rescue operations are in place.”

With thousands thronging Haridwar during the holy month, the temple — accessible via ropeway or a long staircase — was already witnessing overwhelming footfall. The situation worsened when unverified claims of a faulty electric line amplified the crowd’s anxiety.

Responding swiftly, three teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local police and emergency responders, reached the scene to manage the crisis and help the injured.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his sorrow, calling the incident “very tragic.” In a social media post, he said, “SDRF, local police, and rescue teams are at the spot. I am monitoring the situation closely and praying for the safety of all devotees.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his condolences, calling the loss of lives “deeply saddening.” A statement from the Modi's office read: “Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.”

As investigations continue and the temple town recovers from the shock, officials have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information during such high-density events. Meanwhile, authorities are also reviewing crowd management protocols and infrastructure safety to prevent future tragedies.