A tragic incident unfolded at the Sree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao, Goa, as a stampede claimed the lives of seven individuals and left over 65 others injured in the early hours of May 3.
State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said at least 30 people sustained injuries, of which eight are in critical condition and two were referred to the Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim
The stampede occurred during the annual Lairai Jatra, a festival that attracts thousands of devotees from Goa and Maharashtra to the temple. The event had begun on May 2, with devotees arriving in large numbers throughout the day.
Arun Desai, Assistant Sub-Inspector at Bicholim Police Station, described the chaotic scene that unfolded during the early morning hours. He explained, “The crowd was overwhelming for the police staff to handle, and as the day progressed, the situation became more challenging. By late night, the crowd had swelled to a point where it was difficult to control. It is believed that the stampede may have been triggered by a person falling down and others inadvertently trampling over them.”
The authorities are currently conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of the stampede. In the meantime, efforts are being made to provide medical assistance to the injured individuals and support to the families of those who lost their lives.
President of India Draupodi Murmu, expressed her sorrow over the tragic incident and urged the authorities to ensure the safety of devotees during such events. Prime Minister Modi also expressed his condolences and assured that all necessary assistance would be provided to the affected individuals.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised concerns about the need for better crowd management and safety measures during religious festivals and events. The authorities have promised to take necessary steps to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
