What Happened During the Barabanki Temple Stampede?

Synopsis
In a tragic incident at the Awsaneshwar Mahadev temple in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, a stampede resulted in two fatalities and numerous injuries. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed his sorrow and ordered immediate rescue efforts. This event occurred during a sacred ritual marking a significant day for Lord Shiva worship.
Key Takeaways
- Two fatalities occurred during the stampede.
- 29 individuals sustained injuries.
- The incident was caused by panic over an electric shock.
- Local authorities are conducting rescue operations.
- Timely medical assistance was provided to the injured.
Lucknow, July 28 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, expressed profound sorrow on Monday regarding the tragic stampede at a temple in Barabanki, which led to the loss of two lives. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the affected families.
Additionally, he instructed the local administration to swiftly initiate rescue and relief operations.
The unfortunate incident occurred at the Awsaneshwar Mahadev temple in the Haidergarh region of Barabanki District, where two devotees tragically lost their lives, and 29 others sustained injuries during a stampede caused by panic.
The chaos erupted during a religious ceremony when fears spread regarding an electric shock within the temple grounds.
In a statement posted on X, the Chief Minister's office remarked, "Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath Ji Maharaj has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in an unfortunate accident at the Shri Awsaneshwar Mahadev Temple premises in Barabanki district and extended his condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased."
"Maharaj Ji has directed the district administration officials to expedite the proper treatment of the injured and relief operations," the Chief Minister's Office added, emphasizing that CM Yogi is praying for the departed souls and a swift recovery for the injured.
This stampede transpired during the early hours of July 28, as a large number of worshippers gathered for the 'Jalabhishek' on the third Monday of Sawan, a day particularly revered for the worship of Lord Shiva.
According to local officials, the ritual commenced at midnight, and by approximately 2 A.M., the temple premises were densely populated with devotees. The situation escalated into chaos after reports of an electric shock circulated among the attendees.
Barabanki District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi explained that the panic was incited by a group of monkeys that landed on an overhead electric wire, causing it to snap and fall onto the temple structure.
This incident resulted in electric currents coursing through the building, igniting fear and confusion among the worshippers.
As the alarm of the electric shock spread, devotees fled in multiple directions, leading to a stampede.
Two individuals reportedly died at the scene, while 29 others were injured. The injured were quickly transported to the Haidergarh and Trivediganj Community Health Centres for medical attention. Those with severe injuries were subsequently transferred to the district hospital for advanced care.
According to Awadhesh Kumar Yadav, the Chief Medical Officer of Barabanki, "All except one patient brought to the Haidergarh Community Health Centre have been discharged."
"Ten people were brought to Trivediganj CHC, of which two were declared deceased upon arrival. The remaining patients are stable and receiving treatment," he further stated.
Local police had already been stationed at the temple in anticipation of the large crowd. Following the incident, additional police forces were dispatched to the location to manage the situation and control the crowd.