Stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi Temple Leaves 8 Dead, Several Injured — Questions Raised Over Crowd Management
Haridwar, Uttarakhand — A spiritual pilgrimage turned into a scene of devastation on Sunday morning, as a stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple claimed the lives of eight devotees and left several others injured. The incident has sent shockwaves through the holy city of Haridwar, known for its religious significance and high footfall of pilgrims year-round.
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Jul 28, 2025
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ccording to local authorities, the stampede occurred around 10:30 AM when a large crowd surged near the temple entrance during Shravan, a sacred Hindu month that attracts lakhs of devotees. Initial reports suggest that overcrowding and a lack of adequate crowd control measures led to panic, resulting in the fatal crush.
Casualties and Response
All eight victims—including women and elderly devotees—were declared dead upon arrival at a local hospital. Over a dozen others suffered injuries ranging from minor bruises to fractures and are currently receiving treatment.
The District Magistrate of Haridwar has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragedy to determine accountability and assess possible lapses in safety protocols.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture
Many eyewitnesses described the scene as “chaotic and terrifying,” with people shouting for help and trying to escape the congested space. “There was no proper queue system or barricades. Once the crowd started pushing, people fell over each other,” said a local vendor near the temple entrance.
Recurring Concerns at Religious Sites
This tragic incident isn’t the first time a religious gathering in India has turned deadly. In recent years, stampedes at major temples and festivals have underscored the need for better crowd regulation, infrastructure planning, and emergency preparedness—especially during high-footfall periods like festivals and auspicious months.
Public sentiment on social media has been swift, with many users expressing grief while calling for stricter safety norms at pilgrimage sites across the country.
A Wake-Up Call for Public Safety
As we mourn the loss of innocent lives, this tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for authorities and religious boards to invest in smart crowd monitoring, better emergency access, and proactive communication with pilgrims.
Religious faith should never come at the cost of safety.
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