Panaji: A tragic stampede at the revered Shirgaon temple in Goa claimed six lives and left over 50 people injured in the early hours of Friday. The incident unfolded during the annual Lairai Devi Jatra, a popular festival that draws thousands of devotees from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
What Happened at Shirgaon Temple?
The stampede broke out between 4 am and 4:30 am, when a sudden rush of devotees led to chaos near a massive ritual fire. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as devotees jostled to escape the packed premises. Preliminary reports suggest a sudden electric shock in the vicinity sparked panic, though the exact cause is still under investigation.
Massive Security, Yet a Deadly Rush
Despite an elaborate security deployment of over 1,000 personnel, including DSP-rank officers, traffic police, reserve police forces, and drone surveillance, the stampede could not be averted. Crowd control reportedly failed at a crucial moment as devotees gathered for midnight rituals believed to grant wishes and blessings from Goddess Lairai, an incarnation of Parvati in local folklore.
Victims and Emergency Response
Among the deceased was a 17-year-old boy. Over 50 injured devotees were rushed to Goa Medical College and North Goa District Hospital. Additional medical teams were mobilised to manage the crisis. A 24/7 helpline (104) was activated for medical emergencies, with 10 advanced ambulances deployed across the region.
Leaders Condole Loss, Centre Takes Note
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the injured and is personally overseeing rescue and medical operations. He confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been briefed and extended condolences. “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgaon, Goa. May the injured recover soon,” the PM tweeted.
Probe Ordered
Authorities have ordered an investigation into the incident, focusing on overcrowding, electrical safety, and crowd management lapses.
