Shirgao, North Goa: Tragedy struck the annual pilgrimage festival at the Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao, North Goa, late Friday night as a stampede claimed the lives of six devotees and left over 30 others injured. The incident occurred during the highly anticipated ‘Jatra’, a significant religious procession that draws thousands of devotees annually.
The stampede reportedly took place around 3:00 AM on Saturday when a sudden surge in the crowd led to chaotic scenes on a narrow stretch near the temple. While the exact cause of the panic remains under investigation, initial reports suggest that overcrowding on a steep incline leading to the temple may have been a contributing factor. Some eyewitness accounts mentioned a possible electric shock that triggered the initial panic, although this is yet to be officially confirmed.
The ‘Jatra’ at the Lairai Devi Temple is a major religious event in Goa, attracting a massive influx of devotees who participate in various rituals, including circling a sacred fire pit and some even walking over burning coals as an act of devotion to the deity, Goddess Lairai. This year, despite elaborate security arrangements with the deployment of over a thousand police personnel and drone surveillance, the sheer volume of devotees appears to have overwhelmed the crowd management systems at a critical point.
Emergency services were swiftly mobilized to the scene, and the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, including the Goa Medical College and the North Goa District Hospital. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that additional doctors have been deployed and a dedicated intensive care unit has been set up to provide focused care for the injured, with at least ten reported to be in critical condition.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and visited the injured in the hospital, assuring them and their families of all possible support from the government. He also stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken stock of the situation and offered full support during this difficult time. All government programs in the state have been cancelled for the next three days as a mark of respect for the deceased.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning. I visited the hospital to meet the injured and have assured all possible support to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken,” Chief Minister Sawant posted on social media.
Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his condolences, stating, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.”
A round-the-clock helpline (104) has been activated for medical emergencies. Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident to ascertain the precise sequence of events and identify any lapses in crowd control measures that may have contributed to the tragedy.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the state, especially among the devotees who had gathered with immense faith and enthusiasm for the annual pilgrimage. The focus now remains on providing the best possible medical care to the injured and supporting the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident.