Stampede at UP’s Barabanki Temple Leaves 2 Dead, 47 Injured After Live Wire Falls During Shravan Ritual.
Barabanki (UP):
A tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Monday at the Avsaneshwar Temple in Haidergarh, Barabanki district, where two devotees lost their lives and 47 others were injured in a stampede triggered by an electric shock during a religious gathering.
The mishap occurred during the auspicious month of Shravan, when thousands of devotees had gathered for the ‘jalabhishek’ ritual—a traditional offering of water to Lord Shiva. According to officials, the chaos began when monkeys accidentally damaged a high-voltage electric wire, causing it to snap and fall onto a tin shed inside the temple premises.
Barabanki District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi confirmed that the live wire electrified three tin sheds, instantly causing panic among the crowd. Devotees, unaware of the source of danger, began to flee in all directions, resulting in a stampede.
Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna stated that the deaths occurred due to electrocution and not due to trampling. “The broken wire came in contact with the metal sheds, and the electric current passed through them while people were standing beneath. Most injuries were caused by electric shock, while some were due to the stampede that followed,” he said.
Rescue operations were launched immediately with the help of police and local volunteers. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where they are currently receiving treatment. Authorities said that most victims are out of danger, though a few remain in serious condition.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying. “There was a loud noise, followed by screams. People started running blindly. Some collapsed on the spot,” said one devotee who narrowly escaped the chaos.
The temple premises have been cordoned off, and a forensic team has been called in to investigate the exact cause of the incident. Meanwhile, the state government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured.
This incident raises concerns about safety measures and crowd management during major religious events, especially during the holy month of Shravan, which attracts massive gatherings across India.
An official inquiry has been ordered, and authorities have promised strict action if any lapses are found.
