Some stood on slope, few of them fell, others followed: What led to Goa stampede

At least seven individuals lost their lives and over 80 sustained injuries after a stampede occurred during a temple festival in Shirgao village, North Goa early Saturday morning. The event occurred at the Sree Lairai Devi shrine.

Describing the cause of the stampede, a high-ranking police officer stated that around 30,000 to 40,000 worshippers had assembled for the festival, with numerous individuals positioned on an incline close to the temple. “A couple of individuals slipped on the slope, leading to others tumbling over one another,” stated Director General of Police Alok Kumar. As reported by the police, approximately 40 to 50 individuals collapsed in the vicinity, causing the stampede. The event was limited to that specific location.

Numerous devotees from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka participate in the yearly festival at the Sree Lairai Devi temple.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant went to the North Goa district hospital to see the wounded. In a message on X, Sawant mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called him to extend his complete support.

The Chief Minister of Goa also declared that an investigation will be carried out regarding the temple stampede. Speaking to reporters at the location, Sawant stated, “I have requested a thorough investigation into the event.” “We will disclose the report to the public.”

Goa’s Health Minister Vishwajit Rane reported that around 80 individuals are injured and receiving treatment. The Shri Lairai Zatra festival, which commenced on Friday, is a highly respected yearly celebration held at the Shri Lairai Devi Temple located in Shirgao, Goa. Devotees from all over the state and beyond come together to worship Goddess Lairai, thought to be a manifestation of Goddess Parvati. The main attraction of the festival is the customary dhondachi zatra, where numerous worshippers walk barefoot on burning coals.

“This is the most unfortunate incident. My whole team has been active the whole night they have been working. 80 people have been injured and brought to hospital. The focus of the Health department is to save the lives of the critically injured, which are about 10. More than 6 to 7 people have lost their life. Government is doing the best to save the lives,” the health minister said.