‘Shopkeepers did not let anyone in’: Survivors recount Haridwar stampede horror
Haridwar, known as one of the holiest cities in India, was struck by an unimaginable tragedy when a massive stampede claimed several lives and left dozens injured. The incident, which occurred during a religious gathering, has sparked outrage and grief across the country. Survivors have come forward with chilling accounts of their experiences, accusing local shopkeepers of closing their doors and refusing to help as the crowd surged and panic set in.
Chaos Erupts During Religious Event
The stampede reportedly began when the narrow lanes leading to the event site became overcrowded with devotees trying to get a glimpse of the rituals. Initial reports suggest that poor crowd management and the lack of clear exit routes worsened the situation. Witnesses recall that the sudden commotion created confusion, causing people to push and fall, triggering a chain reaction of panic.
“We were all standing in line when suddenly there was a huge commotion. People started running, and I could hear screams everywhere,” said Ramesh Kumar, a survivor who suffered minor injuries. “It felt like the crowd was crushing us from all sides.”
‘Shopkeepers Did Not Let Anyone In’
In a shocking revelation, several survivors have claimed that nearby shopkeepers refused to open their establishments for people to take shelter. “We were banging on the doors of shops, crying for help, but no one opened them. They were scared that their property would be damaged,” said Meena Devi, who lost her sister in the chaos. “People were falling on top of each other, and there was nowhere to escape.”
This statement has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many questioning the lack of humanity displayed during such a crisis. Locals argue that shopkeepers were themselves terrified by the sudden rush and could not risk damage or theft.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “hellish,” with people gasping for breath and struggling to find safe ground. “I saw women and children screaming, but the crowd was so dense that no one could move an inch. It was like being trapped in a wall of bodies,” said another survivor, Ashok Verma.
The lack of medical assistance in the immediate aftermath added to the horror. Many of the injured were carried to safety by fellow devotees before ambulances could arrive. The narrow lanes of Haridwar’s busy market area made rescue operations difficult, further delaying medical help.
Government Orders Probe
Following the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a high-level probe into the tragedy. The state government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and free medical care for the injured.
Officials are investigating the allegations of mismanagement and negligence. “We are looking into how the crowd swelled beyond the safe limit and why there was no proper emergency route. Those found guilty will face strict action,” said a senior police officer.
Questions Over Crowd Management
This incident has once again raised concerns about crowd management during religious festivals and events in India, especially in popular pilgrimage destinations like Haridwar. Experts say that despite past incidents, there has been little improvement in infrastructure and planning.
“Crowd control should be a top priority, but authorities often underestimate the numbers. This negligence costs lives,” said a disaster management expert. He also highlighted the need for trained volunteers, emergency medical stations, and better communication between event organizers and law enforcement agencies.
Mourning and Anger Among Families
As the city mourns the loss of life, grief-stricken families are demanding justice. Several bodies are yet to be identified, and hospitals are filled with the injured, many of whom are in critical condition. “We came here for blessings, but I lost my mother. Who is responsible for this?” asked one distraught relative outside a hospital in Haridwar.
Counseling services have been initiated for survivors, many of whom are traumatized by the horrific scenes they witnessed. NGOs and local volunteers have also stepped in to provide food and support to those affected.
Social Media Outrage
Social media platforms have been flooded with posts expressing anger and sadness over the incident. The allegations against shopkeepers have sparked debates on the balance between self-preservation and humanity. “It’s heartbreaking to think that people were refused shelter when they needed it the most,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
A Wake-Up Call for Authorities
The Haridwar stampede serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to revamp safety measures during large gatherings. With the city being a key religious hub, authorities cannot afford to ignore the risks associated with overcrowding.
Experts recommend that event organizers work closely with law enforcement to monitor crowd flow, establish emergency exits, and deploy rapid response teams. “Every year, we hear about such tragedies. It’s time for serious action rather than just offering compensation after lives are lost,” said a local activist.
Looking Ahead
As investigations continue, the people of Haridwar hope that lessons will be learned from this devastating incident. For now, the city is engulfed in mourning, with families performing last rites and survivors trying to recover from their physical and emotional wounds.
