At least six people were killed in crowd crushing at Hindu temple in Haridwar, India | Religious News

The overhead power lines reportedly snap to parts of the crowd and fall, causing panic among the followers.

At least six people were killed and dozens were crushed and injured after a massive crowd gathered at a popular Hindu temple in Uttarakhand, northern India.

The incident at Mantha Devi Temple in Haridwar city occurred on Sunday as high voltage wires reportedly fell on the temple road, causing panic among many followers.

“The Wire’s appearance immediately plunged into panic, and a desperate scramble to escape led to a stamp hit,” local police officer Ritesh Saha told the Times of India newspaper.

Vinai Shankar Pandi, a senior government official in Uttarakhand, confirmed his death. Hospital officials said one person was electrocuted, while others died in subsequent stampedes, Indian media reports said.

Police and emergency services rushed to the scene after the incident and launched rescue operations. The injured person was taken to a nearby hospital, officials said.

“The situation is currently under control,” Pandi told The Associated Press on a Haridwar phone call. “But the panic has had tragic consequences.”

Authorities are investigating why the overhead wire collapsed and whether proper crowd control protocols are in place. The town of Temple attracts millions of visitors each year.

“It is extremely painful to receive news of stampede on the route to Mantha Devi temple in Haridwar,” Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dami posted on X.

Crowd Surge It is not uncommon in India at religious gatherings. In India, large groups often gather at temples and pilgrimage sites, which can overwhelm local infrastructure and security measures.

In June, a sudden surge in crowds occurred at a Hindu festival in the coastal state of Odisha, causing a stampede that killed at least three people and injured others. Six people were crushed and killed the previous month. West of Goa After thousands gathered for a popular fire ritual.

At least 30 people died in January Early morning crash Kumbhmela is a Hindu mega festival in the Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh.