Our Bureau
Panaji
A deadly stampede broke out at Sree Lairai Devi temple in Goa during the wee hours on Saturday, leaving six dead and over 50 injured. The incident took place in Goa’s Shirgao village, Bicholim where thousands of devotees had gathered from across Goa and parts of Maharashtra to participate in the annual Lairai Jatra.
Assistant Sub-Inspector, Arun Desai, from Bicholim Police Station said, “The incident happened around 3.30 a.m. on May 3. The annual Lairai Jatra was on May 2, people had started coming since early morning from across Goa and neighbouring states. It was so overwhelming for the police staff to handle the crowd as it increased as the day progressed.”
“By late night, we could not understand how it had happened. We are assuming a person must have fallen down and tripped, and some people started walking over them, and possibly that is how the stampede broke out. We are still investigating the matter,” Desai added.
Earlier in the day, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa town and interacted with the affected families. In a post on X, Sawant said he will chair a high-level meeting to review the entire situation. “A magisterial inquiry will be instituted to thoroughly investigate the incident at the Shirgaon Jatra,” he further added. He also ensured proper measures for temple festivals to avoid such incidents in the future.
Sawant confirmed receiving a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the situation while extending his full support to help the affected.
Talking about the tragic incident, The PMO had tweeted, “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.”
Taking to her social media handle was also President of India, Droupadi Murmu who expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Goa temple festival, “Sad to know about the unfortunate incident of a stampede in Shirgao, Goa, which claimed several lives. I extend my condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the quick recovery of the injured.”
Out of the ones injured, eight are in critical condition, including two on ventilator support. They have been referred to Goa Medical College (GMC) in Bambolim for advanced care. Several others are being treated at Asilo Hospital and the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa. Two patients have been discharged, and ten others sustained minor injuries.
