Goa: In the early hours of Saturday, a tragic stampede at the Shri Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao, North Goa, resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to over 60 others. The incident occurred during the annual Lairai Zatra festival, which attracts thousands of devotees from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
Emergency services responded promptly, dispatching multiple ambulances to the scene. The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities, including the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa and Goa Medical College in Bambolim. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that at least 30 individuals sustained injuries, with eight reported to be in critical condition .
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the hospitals to assess the situation and assured all possible support to the affected families. He stated, “I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and spoke with the Chief Minister, offering full support during this difficult time .
The Lairai Zatra is a significant cultural and religious event in Goa, known for its unique rituals, including the traditional fire-walking ceremony where devotees walk barefoot over burning embers. The festival draws large crowds each year, necessitating comprehensive safety measures.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the stampede and to evaluate the adequacy of the safety protocols in place during the festival.
As the community mourns the loss of lives, questions are being raised about crowd management and the implementation of safety measures during large-scale religious gatherings.
