Overcrowding at the revered Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar triggered a deadly stampede that killed six people. Rescue operations are underway, and officials are probing lapses in crowd management.
BY PC Bureau
July 27, 2025 – A tragic stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar claimed the lives of seven devotees and left several others injured on Sunday, triggering shock and sorrow across Uttarakhand. The incident occurred amid a massive influx of pilgrims visiting the shrine during the auspicious month of Shravan.
According to initial reports, a sudden surge in the crowd led to chaos at the temple complex, resulting in people getting trampled and crushed. Many of the victims were reportedly elderly or children who could not escape the stampede in time.
Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the fatalities and stated that the injured were being rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. “I am leaving for the spot. A detailed report of the incident is awaited,” he told reporters.
Emergency services, including police and medical teams, were deployed to the site immediately after the incident. Videos and images from the temple premises showed a chaotic scene, with devotees being carried on stretchers and rescue personnel trying to control the situation.
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While the exact cause of the stampede is still under investigation, preliminary accounts suggest that overcrowding, inadequate crowd control, and narrow pathways inside the temple premises may have contributed to the tragedy.
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
Local authorities had reportedly anticipated a large gathering due to religious festivities but may have been underprepared for the scale of footfall. Officials are now working to identify the deceased and reach out to their families.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister and state administration are expected to issue an official statement and announce compensation for the victims’ families shortly.
Background:
The Mansa Devi Temple, perched on the Bilwa Parvat hill in Haridwar, is one of the most visited shrines in north India, especially during the Shravan month, when lakhs of devotees throng the temple to offer prayers. Stampedes have occurred in the past during similar high-density pilgrimage seasons, raising repeated concerns about safety measures at hilltop shrines.
Rescue & Relief:
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Injured pilgrims admitted to Haridwar District Hospital and private clinics nearby.
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Search and rescue operations continue to check if more people are trapped or require medical help.
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Police have cordoned off the area and are managing crowd dispersal to prevent further chaos.
Further updates awaited. A team from the state disaster response force is also expected to join rescue efforts.
