A tragic stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar on Sunday, July 27, 2025, has resulted in at least six fatalities and numerous injuries. The incident occurred on the pedestrian route leading to the temple, which is situated atop the Shivalik Hills. The temple is a revered pilgrimage site, especially during the month of Shravan, drawing large crowds of devotees.
Initial reports suggest that the stampede was triggered by a rumor of an overhead power line snapping and falling onto a crowded section of the walkway around 8:30 am. This sparked panic among the pilgrims, leading to a desperate scramble to escape. However, authorities are still investigating the exact cause, and are considering the possibility that the stampede was triggered by a rumor rather than an actual power line failure.
Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the deaths and stated that a detailed report of the incident is awaited. Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit also confirmed the deaths and noted that two individuals are in critical condition and have been referred to higher medical centers. According to officials, the injured include men, women, and children.
Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of chaos and terror. Ritesh Saha, city police station in-charge, said the route was densely packed when the rumored electric line issue occurred. "The sight of the wire falling caused immediate panic, and a desperate scramble to escape led to the stampede," Saha stated.
Emergency services and police teams responded swiftly to the scene, and rescue operations are underway. Injured individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Haridwar SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal stated that around 35 people were brought to the hospital, with six confirmed dead and the rest undergoing treatment.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences and stated that the local administration is providing all necessary assistance. "It is extremely distressing to receive news of a stampede on the route to the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar," Dhami said. He added that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and said that the local administration is assisting those affected. President Murmu also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
The Mansa Devi Temple is one of the five sacred sites (panch tirthas) of Haridwar and is located atop the Shivalik Hills at a height of over 500 feet. The temple is accessed via a pedestrian route, which can become heavily congested during peak pilgrimage periods. Authorities are investigating whether proper crowd management protocols were in place at the time of the incident.
