Goa Temple Stampede: 6 Dead, 75 Injured, Govt Reviews Situation; Opposition Reacts, Demands Probe

At least six people died while 75 others sustained injuries after a stampede during the Shri Lairai Zatra in Goa’s Shirgao late on Friday when thousands of devotees from Goa and other states had gathered at the temple for the festival, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawnt announced magisterial probe to ascertain the precise cause behind the stampede.

While North Goa Collector, Superintendent of Police transferred following death of six people in stampede at temple festival.

"As per the latest reports, 75 patients have been attended to across government healthcare facilities, including Asilo Hospital (Mapusa), community health centres (CHC) in Bicholim and Sankhali, and Goa Medical College (GMC)," Rane said in a statement.

The injured are currently under treatment at Asilo Hospital (Mapusa), community health centres (CHC) in Bicholim and Sankhali, and Goa Medical College (GMC). The health minister said that the first responders from CHCs acted swiftly at the site, ensuring timely triage and stabilisation of the injured.

"Sadly, six people were brought in dead. Four persons, including two women, were brought dead at Asilo Hospital and two in CHC Bicholim," he said.

"We coordinated with the 108 ambulance service, ensuring that five ambulances were dispatched to the site immediately after the incident, while three more are stationed at the North Goa district hospital," he said.

The minister also so assured that his department is closely monitoring the condition of all patients and has ensured the availability of emergency medicines, adequate medical personnel, and psychological support for victims and their families.

He said a meeting with the heads of the health department, GMC and the secretary (Health) will be held to ensure no stone is left unturned in providing timely and effective treatment.

CM Visits Hospital

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the North Goa District Hospital following the incident to review the situation. He also visited the Bicholim hospital earlier in the day. The chief minister also visited the spot in Shrigao where the stampede occurred.

"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. Prime Minister Modi spoke with me and took detailed stock of the situation, offering his full support during this difficult time", the CM said.

President, PM Condole Deaths

Condoling the deaths, President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said, "Sad to know about the unfortunate incident of a stampede in Shirgao, Goa which claimed several lives. I extend my condolences to bereaved family members and pray for quick recovery of the injured."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office (PMO) posted on X, "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"

The 'Zatra', which started on Friday, is considered a highly revered annual festival celebrated at the Shri Lairai Devi Temple in Goa’s Shirgao where devotees from across the state and beyond assemble to honour Goddess Lairai.

The highlight of the festival is the traditional 'dhondachi zatra', during which thousands of devotees walk across burning embers barefoot.

Further details regarding the cause of the stampede and the identities of the victims are yet to be released by the authorities.

Opposition Reacts, Demands Probe

Condoling the incident, the opposition Congress demanded that the government order a probe to fix the responsibility for the stampede and take necessary action.

According to PTI, the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee in-charge, Amarnath Panjikar, said the party stands in solidarity with the affected families, devotees and the entire community of Shirgao.

"We request the state government to extend full support to the Devasthan Committee to ensure the safe and smooth continuation of the remaining four days of the Lairaee Jatra, which draws lakhs of devotees to Shirgao," he said.

Panjikar said adequate safety, crowd management, and emergency response measures should be put in place to prevent further mishaps during the ongoing celebrations.

All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), meanwhile, demanded that the government order an inquiry to fix the responsibility for the stampede and take necessary action.