Stampede at Goa’s Shirgaon Temple, 4 dead and several injured

According to a senior police officer, the incident happened in the early hours of the day at the Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village.

According to authorities on Saturday, a stampede that started at a temple festival in North Goa resulted in four deaths and multiple people severely injured.

PM Modi said he was saddened by the news of the stampede and posted "Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected," on X.

Pramod Sawant, the chief minister of Goa, expressed his deep sadness over the Shirgao stampede and promised to help the impacted families.

“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 taken. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji spoke with me and took detailed stock of the situation, offering his full support during this difficult time,” Sawant wrote in a post on X.

He stated that thousands of devotees from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka had flocked to the temple for the celebration and that an investigation will determine the precise reason for the stampede.

At least 30 individuals were hurt, according to State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, with two being sent to the Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim and eight of them in critical condition.According to him, the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa received the bodies of four people, two of whom were women.

He added that ten people received treatment for minor wounds, while eight injured people were admitted to the district hospital.

According to Rane, the health department has managed the matter with immediate and thorough action.

The temple, which holds the Shirgao Jatra in May, is renowned for mixing southern and northern architectural traditions. Thousands of believers attend the celebration, which includes a customary fire-walking ceremony.

According to the Goa Tourism website, during the day, villagers from neighboring places, including Maulingem, take part in the religious rites and offerings made in honor of Goddess Lairai.

Written by:-
Aadrika Tayal