Tragedy at Temple in northern India: eight injured after electric shock causes stampede
by Aditi VermaA shocking incident occurred at northern India’s Delhi’s historic Kalkaji Temple when a live electric wire fell on a group of devotees, sparking a stampede. A ninth-grade student from Ghaziabad lost his life, while eight others were injured.
The incident took place at Kalkaji Temple in South East Delhi district on October 2.
Visuals showed amidst the chaos, the police and local volunteers moved swiftly through the temple’s crowded line, carrying the lifeless body and escorting the injured. Devotees, many still shaken and terrified, looked on in shock. The dimly lit temple grounds, filled with the noise of panicked voices and hurried footsteps, amplified the tension. Some people were frozen in place, while others quietly stepped back, allowing the rescue team to pass. The flickering halogen lights, now dimmed after the power cut, cast eerie shadows on the temple walls, heightening the fear and confusion in the air.
According to reports an electric wire from a halogen light fixture snapped and fell onto a group of devotees standing between Lotus Temple and Ram Pyao. The wire struck an iron railing, electrifying the area and causing panic among the devotees, resulting in a stampede.
The deceased, Mayank Sharma, a ninth-grade student from Greenfield Academy in Noida, was among the victims. He was visiting the temple with his family for darshan when the incident occurred. Mayank, a resident of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, succumbed to injuries caused by the electric shock. He is survived by his parents, two sisters, and a brother. His father works as a plumber.
Eight other devotees were also injured in the incident and were immediately rushed to Safdarjung and AIIMS hospitals. Fortunately, their condition is reported to be stable. The police and emergency services quickly arrived at the scene to control the situation. Electricity to the temple was shut off to prevent further harm, and the broken wire was removed by temple staff and BSES officials.
The police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident. The temple had been heavily decorated with halogen lights and other electrical fixtures for the Navratri festival, which attracted a large number of devotees. The local authorities have assured that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the safety of visitors in the future.