Six dead in Bihar temple stampede during Shravan festival

At least six people were killed and five others were injured after a crowd surge at the Ashok Dham temple in Lakhisarai, Bihar, on Monday, local authorities said. Officials linked the deaths and injuries to a sudden panic inside a large gathering of devotees during the Hindu holy month of Shravan.

Authorities said the incident began when an electricity pole collapsed into the crowd. The disruption, officials said, triggered a rapid push among worshippers that escalated into a stampede-like crush, with casualties reported at the site.

Electricity pole collapse cited as the immediate trigger

Local authorities described the falling pole as the Local authorities described the falling pole as the event that set off a chain reaction inside the gathering. Officials said thousands of worshippers had come to the temple to participate in Shravan-related rituals, a period that typically draws large numbers of pilgrims to religious sites.

Senior police official Shivam Kumar said investigators are working to confirm the sequence of events. Officials said the inquiry will focus on why the pole failed and how movement in the crowd intensified immediately after it fell.

State response and review of safety arrangements Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said in a statement that the state administration has been mobilized to support those affected. Authorities said medical assistance is being provided to the injured as part of the immediate response.

Officials did not provide additional information on the Officials did not provide additional information on the condition of the injured. Authorities also did not say whether more people later sought treatment beyond the initial reports, leaving the total number of injuries subject to confirmation as information continues to be gathered.

Authorities said a formal inquiry has been opened into safety protocols at the temple site. Officials said the review is expected to examine crowd-management measures and assess infrastructure conditions in areas where worshippers gather.

Recurring concerns over festival crowd safety

The incident comes amid repeated concerns in India about crowd safety during major religious observances, where large attendance can increase risk if panic spreads or infrastructure fails. Officials pointed to a 2025 incident at the Maha Kumbh festival that resulted in 30 deaths, underscoring the danger when high-density crowds face sudden shocks.

For now, officials said priorities include assisting victims and establishing an accurate account of what caused the electricity pole to come down and how the crowd reacted. Authorities said the findings are expected to inform decisions on whether changes are needed to reduce risks during future high-attendance religious observances.