At least two people have died and many others were injured in a stampede after a live wire, broken by a group of monkeys, caused panic among Hindu devotees at a temple in Uttar Pradesh, India. The incident occurred at the Ausaneshwar Mahadev Temple in the Barabanki region early on Sunday.
District magistrate Shashank Tripathi said that worshippers panicked and tried to flee after monkeys jumped on an electric wire, which snapped and electrocuted people. At least 19 people suffered electric shocks, while more than two dozen others were hurt in the ensuing stampede-like situation. The broken wire caused current to flow through three tin sheds at the temple complex.
The event took place around 2am local time as a crowd of worshippers began arriving for their Monday offerings during the holy month of Shravan, a sacred period in the Hindu calendar when many observe fasts on Mondays. Mr Tripathi confirmed that medical treatment of the injured is underway, with two people in serious condition.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered condolences and announced compensation of Rs 500,000 (£4,300) for the families of each deceased. This was the second deadly incident involving devotees on the same day; in neighbouring Uttarakhand, at least eight people died and 30 were injured in a crowd crush at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, reportedly sparked by a rumour about a snapped electric line.
