Six dead, over 30 injured in stampede at Lairai Devi temple during Goa festival

At least six people were killed and over 30 others injured in a stampede that broke out early Saturday during the Shree Devi Lairai Jatra at the Shri Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao, Goa. The incident occurred around 3 AM when thousands of devotees had gathered for the annual religious festival, which started on Friday. The festival, known for its traditional fire-walking ceremony, attracts large crowds each year.

Authorities reported that the stampede began after a person fell on a steep slope near the temple's approach road, triggering panic and a rush of people trying to escape. As the narrow stretch became congested, the situation escalated, with many individuals being trampled in the ensuing chaos. Despite the heavy presence of police and drones used for crowd monitoring, the crowd surge could not be controlled in time.

The injured were rushed to several hospitals, including Goa Medical College and North Goa district hospital, with at least 10 people in critical condition. Additional doctors were called in, and an intensive care unit was set up to manage the large number of casualties. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed the measures taken to address the medical needs of the injured.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the hospitals and expressed his condolences, assuring the affected families of all possible support. He also stated that a thorough investigation into the cause of the stampede had been ordered. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the loss of life and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, while also wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

The Lairai Devi temple festival, which is a major religious event in the region, continues to be a focal point of concern for authorities regarding crowd management. With over 1,000 police officers deployed for the event, the tragedy has prompted renewed discussions about improving safety measures for large gatherings at religious and cultural festivals. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.