Monkeys trigger deadly stampede at UP's Barabanki temple: 2 dead, 32 injured

Two people died and over 30 suffered injuries after panic-driven devotees ran amock fearing electrocution from a snapped electric wire at a temple in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki. The tragic incident comes a day after a stampede at Uttarakhand's Mansa Devi temple, claiming eight lives.

 

Huge crowd had gathered at Avsaaneshwar temple in the Haidergarh area, Uttar Pradesh on Monday to offer prayers during the holy month of Shravan. Devotees had gathered at the temple for 'jalabhishek' (offering water as a ritual). 

 

According to reports, devotees who were waiting under a tin shed for darshan panicked and ran after monkeys snapped a live electric wire overhead. The snapped wires fell on the tin sheets, and power reportedly passed through the shed as wire fell. 

 

The incident triggered panic, leading to a stampede-like situation at the temple. Police, first responders and revenue officials immediately rushed to the spot and launched relief measures. 

 

According to reports, one of the deceased was identified as Prashant (22) from the Mubarakpura village. Officials are yet to ascertain the whereabouts of 30-year-old devotee who succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at the Trivediganj Community Health Centre (CHC).

 

Barabanki DM Shashank Tripathi told reporters, "Devotees came to Ausaneshwar Mahadev temple to offer prayers on Monday of the 'saavan' month. Monkeys managed to break an electric wire broke and it fell on the shed. The resulting panic led to a stampede in which two people lost their lives and more than two dozens were injured. The injured were taken to Haidergarh and Trivediganj Community Health Centre. The law and order situation is normal here," ANI reported. 

 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condoled the incident and directed authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured. 

India