Two Dead, 32 Injured in Uttar Pradesh Temple Stampede
Two people were killed and 32 injured in a stampede at the Avsaaneshwar temple in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. The tragedy occurred early Monday when panic erupted after monkeys broke a live electric wire that fell onto a tin shed, causing an electric current to spread through the structure. Devotees had gathered for 'jalabhishek' rituals during the holy month of Shravan. This incident comes just a day after a similar deadly stampede at a temple in Haridwar, raising further concerns about pilgrim safety.
Unpacked:
Temples often employ crowd control barriers, police presence, first aid stations, and designated entry/exit points during festivals. However, safety protocols can vary widely and may not always address risks like exposed electrical wiring or animal interference, as seen in this incident.
Monkeys are attracted to temples by food offerings and human activity. They can become aggressive or cause accidents by damaging property, stealing food, or triggering panic, especially in crowded settings. Their presence is a recurring safety concern in many temple complexes across India.
Authorities have initiated investigations into the causes of both incidents and deployed emergency medical teams. Local officials and the Chief Minister expressed condolences and directed officials to provide relief and improve safety. Increased scrutiny of crowd management and infrastructure is expected in the aftermath.
Stampedes at religious gatherings in India are unfortunately not rare, often resulting from overcrowding, inadequate crowd control, panic triggered by sudden events, or infrastructure failures. Major festivals and rituals can attract thousands, overwhelming local safety provisions.