A large crowd entered the queue: Witness recounts chaos during Bihar temple stampede
· India · Indian Express
Seven women were killed in a stampede at the Ashok Dham temple near Ashok Dham Halt in Lakhisarai district, Bihar, on Monday morning, Aug 17 2026. Police reported about 25 people were injured as crowds surged after a train halted unexpectedly at the site. Witnesses said a rumor spread that a fallen electricity pole was emitting live current, prompting panic among devotees. Officials confirmed the pole had fallen in a field and was carrying a covered cable, not an exposed live wire. The crowd had been queuing since early hours, with the temple gates opening at 2:55 am, and the sudden alarm caused people to push forward, leading to the crush that killed women including 44‑year‑old Manmala Devi.
Why it matters
The deaths and injuries affect the families of the victims and highlight safety gaps at major religious gatherings in Bihar. Authorities may need to revise crowd‑control procedures to prevent similar tragedies.
Read the original report — Indian Express
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.