Several injured in stampede-like situation at temple in Ujjain

Several devotees were reportedly injured in a stampede-like situation near Harsiddhi Chauraha in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday (August 17) after rumours of an electrical current spreading near a power distribution point caused panic among people waiting for darshan at the Nagchandreshwar Temple.

The Nagchandreshwar Temple is located on the upper floor of the Mahakaleshwar Temple complex. The rumour triggered a sudden rush among devotees, with some people falling or getting trapped against barricades. Several injured devotees were taken to Charak Hospital for treatment, reported ABP News.

Meenu, whose son was admitted to the hospital, said the incident happened at Harsiddhi Chauraha. "He came under a barricade when he was going for a darshan at Nath Chandreshwar Mandir," she said as quoted by ANI.

Describing the situation after the rush began, Meenu said, "Nobody helped him. Only one man carried him here."

Several devotees injured

The injured included Hindubai, Sagar, 19, and Laxmibai, all residents of Ujjain. Ansuya and her mother Mamta, from Ganj Basoda, were also taken to hospital.

Harishchandra, from Silvassa village in Vapi, Gujarat, suffered serious injuries to his legs after colliding with barricades during the commotion. Sonam, 18, from Gwalior, was among those injured, along with Sujeet Kumar from Darbhanga, Bihar, and Khushi from Gwalior, reported ABP News.

Also Read: 7 killed, several injured in stampede at Bihar’s Ashok Dham temple

Tulsi and her mother Rekha Bai, residents of Valsad in Gujarat, were also receiving treatment at Charak Hospital.

Ujjain SP Pradeep Sharma said two people were shifted to the hospital after they complained of nausea.

Crowd brought under control

The incident disrupted darshan arrangements for some time as police and administrative officials worked to control the crowd. The situation was brought under control after officials reached the spot.

Also Read: West Bengal hotel fire: 7 dead, several injured in Birbhum

Darshan arrangements have since been restored, and devotees are being allowed to proceed according to the revised arrangements at the temple.

Stampede reported in Bihar

Earlier in the day, seven people died and several others were injured in a stampede at the Ashok Dham Temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district.

The incident took place after a large number of people had gathered at the Shiva temple to offer prayers on the third Monday of the holy month of Shravan.