(Image source from: Ndtv.com)

At least six individuals lost their lives and over 50 were injured following a stampede that erupted during the annual Lairai Devi jatra procession at a temple in Shirgaon, Goa, early on Saturday. This tragic event occurred at the Sree Devi Lairai temple, located approximately 40 kilometers from Panaji, the state capital, as panic swept through the massive crowd of worshippers, leading to a chaotic rush among the thousands attending the event. Witnesses recounted scenes of disorder as people tried to escape the densely packed gathering. Those injured have been transported to local hospitals for medical assistance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed their deep sorrow over the fatalities resulting from the Shirgaon stampede.

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: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2025

“Heartfelt condolences to those mourning the loss of their loved ones. Wishing a swift recovery to the injured. The local authorities are providing support to those affected,” stated a message from PM Modi’s office on social media. Chief Minister Sawant visited the hospital to check on the injured and promised comprehensive assistance to the families impacted. “I am personally overseeing the situation to guarantee that all necessary actions are being taken,” he shared on social media. “The Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji reached out to me to discuss the situation in detail and offered his complete support during this challenging moment,” he added.

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…

— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) May 3, 2025

While officials have not yet established the precise cause of the stampede, initial accounts indicate it stemmed from overcrowding and inadequate crowd management measures. The Lairai Devi jatra is observed annually in the northern Goan village of Shirgaon, honoring Goddess Lairai, considered an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and one of the seven sisters in Goan mythology.

The event features distinctive rituals, including the fire-walking ceremony known as 'Agnidivya,' where devotees, referred to as Dhonds, walk barefoot over burning coals to receive blessings. Annually, thousands flock to this festival from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Goa's Health Minister Vishwajit Rane described the incident as an “unfortunate stampede” and noted that immediate and extensive measures have been taken to handle the aftermath. He mentioned coordination with the national emergency ambulance service, with five ambulances deployed to the scene, including three at Asilo and two on standby until order is restored.

In view of the unfortunate stampede at the Lairai Zatra, we have taken immediate and comprehensive steps to manage the situation. We have coordinated with 108, ensuring that five ambulances were dispatched to the site, with three stationed at Asilo and an additional three kept on…

— Vishwajit Rane (@visrane) May 3, 2025

“A total of 30 casualties have been reported. Among them, eight patients are critical, including two who are intubated, and have been sent to GMC (Goa Medical College) for specialized care; four people were pronounced dead on arrival; eight are being treated at Asilo; ten are receiving care for minor injuries; and two have been discharged,” he posted on social media. He also indicated that ten patients are "currently serious" and remain under observation in the casualty ward at GMC. “Additional medical staff have been brought in, and ventilators have been arranged for comprehensive care. All necessary preparations have been implemented, and we are closely overseeing the condition of each patient. The GMC and health services, including the 108 ambulance service, have been instructed to maintain a state of high alert,” he added.