Stampede at Barabanki Temple in UP leave two dead after monkeys damage wire and trigger electric shock

A tragic incident unfolded early Monday morning in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki district, where two devotees lost their lives and several others were injured in a stampede-like situation at the Awsaneshwar Mahadev Temple. The chaos was triggered when a live electric wire snapped and fell on a tin shed, electrocuting worshippers gathered for Sawan’s third Monday rituals.

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According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around 3 AM when a large crowd had gathered at the temple in Haidergarh for jalabhishek. Panic erupted after an electric shock surged through the metal shed. Preliminary investigations reveal the wire was damaged by monkeys, which reportedly jumped onto the overhead line, causing it to break.

One of the deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Prashant from Mubarakpur village, while the other remains unidentified. Both lost their lives while undergoing treatment at the Trivediganj Community Health Centre.

District officials, including DM Shashank Tripathi, confirmed that at least 19 people suffered electric shocks, but the situation is now under control. The local police, who were already on site, are assisting in the probe.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the incident and has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the bereaved families. He also directed medical teams to ensure proper care for the injured.

The tragedy comes just a day after a similar stampede at Haridwar’s Mansa Devi temple claimed eight lives, raising serious concerns about crowd safety during pilgrimage events.