A stampede broke out at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar on Sunday morning, leaving several people feared dead and many injured.
The incident occurred during peak pilgrimage hours when a large crowd had gathered for darshan at the popular shrine.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
Authorities have launched an immediate rescue and relief operation. Injured devotees are being rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Local police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and temple authorities are coordinating efforts to bring the situation under control.
Possible Cause of the Stampede
Preliminary reports suggest that overcrowding on the temple premises, combined with poor crowd management, may have triggered panic among devotees. Eyewitnesses claim that the situation worsened when a section of the crowd tried to exit the narrow passage simultaneously with incoming devotees.
Official Response
The Uttarakhand government has taken cognizance of the incident. Additional police and emergency teams have been deployed to manage the crowd and prevent further chaos. Authorities have requested pilgrims to remain calm and follow instructions.