Barabanki Temple Stampede: Electric Shock Kills Two, Injures Dozens During Sawan Festivities

At least two individuals are dead and over 40 injured after an electric shock triggered a stampede at the Awsaneshwar Mahadev Temple in Barabanki early Monday. Devotees had gathered in large numbers for rituals on the third Monday of the auspicious Sawan month when an electric wire fell onto a tin shed, causing a surge of current through the crowded premises.

The deceased have been identified as 22-year-old Prashant from Mubarakpura village, with the second victim yet to be identified. Both succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at the Trivediganj Community Health Center.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos around 3 AM as a large crowd was performing the jalabhishek ritual. District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi confirmed that an old electric wire, damaged by monkeys, was the cause of the incident. "Some monkeys jumped onto the overhead electric wires, causing them to fall onto the tin shed. As a result, around 19 people received electric shocks," Tripathi stated, adding that the situation is now under control. The live wire spread current rapidly through the metal structure, igniting panic among the devotees and leading to the stampede.

Police were present at the temple during the incident, and an investigation is currently underway.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has acknowledged the tragedy, extending his condolences to the victims' families. The Chief Minister's Office announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakhs for the bereaved families and instructed officials to provide immediate relief and medical care for the injured.