What Led to the Tragic Stampede at UP's Barabanki Temple?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two devotees died in the stampede at Barabanki temple.
- 29 others were injured during the chaos.
- The incident was triggered by an electric shock panic.
- Authorities need to implement better safety measures at religious events.
- Local police were on-site but required additional units post-incident.
Barabanki (UP), July 28 (NationPress) - Tragedy struck as two devotees lost their lives and 29 others were injured during a stampede at a temple in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki district in the early hours of Monday. The chaos erupted at the Awsaneshwar Mahadev temple in the Haidergarh area amidst a religious ritual, following a panic over an electric shock within the temple grounds.
The incident unfolded on the night of July 27 and 28, coinciding with the 'Jalabhishek' on the third Monday of Sawan, a day regarded as particularly sacred for honoring Lord Shiva.
Officials reported that the ritual began at midnight, and by approximately 2 A.M., the temple was overwhelmed with worshippers. The situation escalated when rumors of an electric shock began to circulate among the crowd.
According to Barabanki District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi, the panic was instigated when a group of monkeys landed on an overhead electric wire, causing it to break and fall onto the temple shed.
This incident resulted in a sudden electric current coursing through the structure, igniting fear and confusion among the devotees.
As news of the electric shock spread, worshippers fled in all directions, leading to a deadly stampede.
Tragically, two devotees were pronounced dead at the scene, while 29 others suffered injuries. The injured were quickly transported to the Haidergarh and Trivediganj Community Health Centres for medical assistance.
Those with severe injuries were subsequently referred to the district hospital for more comprehensive care.
Barabanki Chief Medical Officer Awadhesh Kumar Yadav stated, “All but one patient at the Haidergarh Community Health Centre have been discharged.”
He also mentioned, “Ten individuals were admitted to Trivediganj CHC, with two tragically declared dead. The others are stable and receiving treatment.”
Local police had already been stationed at the temple in anticipation of the crowd. Following the incident, additional police units were deployed to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
This heart-wrenching event in Barabanki occurred just a day after a similar tragedy at Haridwar's Mansa Devi Temple, where eight individuals lost their lives and 30 were injured in a stampede triggered by similar rumors of an electric shock.