Seven Women Die in Stampede at India Temple After Live-Wire Rumor

17/08/2026

PATNA, Aug 17: At least seven women were killed and several others injured after a stampede broke out early Monday at the Ashok Dham Temple in Lakhisarai district of Bihar, officials said.

The incident occurred after an electricity pole fell, triggering a rumor among devotees that a live wire had fallen on people in the queue. The panic caused pressure to build in the women’s queue, with several devotees falling on top of one another, according to senior civil official Shailendra Kumar.

Authorities said seven devotees had died, while the exact number of injured was still being determined. Emergency teams were working to assist those injured in the incident.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said on X that he had directed the administration to ensure the injured receive proper and prompt medical treatment.