Barabanki: A tragic incident marred Sawan Monday celebrations at the Avsaneshwar temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district when a live electrical wire snapped and fell on a tin shed, causing panic and a deadly stampede.
The incident took place around 3 am when hundreds of devotees had gathered for jalabhishek (ritual water offering) at the temple. Eyewitnesses said the sudden collapse of the electric wire electrified the shed, sparking fear among devotees.
In the ensuing chaos, a stampede broke out, leaving at least 38 people injured. Two devotees, including 22-year-old Prashant from Mubarakpura village in Loni Katara police station area, died during treatment at the Trivediganj Community Health Centre (CHC).
According to health officials, 10 injured people were brought to Trivediganj CHC, of which five were referred to higher centres due to their critical condition. Additionally, 26 injured devotees were being treated at Haidergarh CHC, with one also referred in serious condition.
Local residents and temple authorities said the incident occurred when a monkey jumped on an overhead electric wire, causing it to break and fall. The wire came in contact with the tin roof sheltering devotees, resulting in electric current spreading across the structure. Upon hearing cries of electrocution, panic spread among the crowd, leading to a stampede.
District officials rushed to the scene to control the situation. While an investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause and circumstances of the incident, authorities have restored order in the temple complex. Despite the early morning tragedy, the temple reopened, and devotees resumed darshan and worship in a regulated manner.
A district official stated, “Typically, crowds at 3 am are manageable, but being a Monday during the holy month of Sawan, the footfall was significantly higher than usual.”
The incident highlights growing concerns over safety arrangements at religious sites, especially during high-footfall festivals.
