'People ran over children, bodies were scattered': Eyewitness recounts what went down during Haridwar Mansa Devi stampede

The stampede took place in Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar

An eyewitness recounted what went down during the tragic stampede that took place in the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar on Sunday morning, which left at least six people dead.

NDTV reported the eyewitness as saying, "We had gone for darshan. The temple's main gate was closed since there was a huge crowd inside. People ran from that direction, and they jumped over each other. They ran over my head and our children. There were bodies scattered."

Another person, who was allegedly injured in the stampede, said that a huge crowd had suddenly gathered at the spot and a rumour about an "electric current" seemingly caused panic among devotees, thus leading to the stampede.

"People fell down while trying to run," the injured devotee recalled. The stampede reportedly took place on the staircases on the temple road that leads to the main shrine.  Visuals from the site later showed injured devotees being taken to the hospital in ambulances and several others undergoing treatment. The visuals also showed bodies lying at the stampede site.

The stampede took place as devotees thronged the mandir premises to pray during the auspicious Hindu month of Sawan, which usually witnesses a rush of devotees at all holy sites.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that he is in touch with the local authorities and is closely monitoring the situation. The Uttarakhand government has also announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the victims and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

"Today, around 9 am, someone spread a rumour of electrocution, and this incident happened. We have ordered a magisterial probe. All concerned officials are working to ensure that all the injured get proper treatment. We have also issued a toll-free number. Financial help has also been announced. I pray for the peace of the departed souls, and our condolences go out to the bereaved families. The families of those who lost their lives will get an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh and the injured will get Rs 50,000..." Dhami said.