What happened in the deadly stampede at Goa's temple?
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Synopsis
A tragic stampede at the Lairai Devi temple in Goa resulted in six fatalities and over 30 injuries. Eyewitnesses described chaos as the crowd surged, prompting urgent rescue efforts. With thousands attending the annual ritual, concerns about safety protocols and crowd control are now at the forefront.
Key Takeaways
- Six fatalities reported due to stampede at Lairai Devi temple.
- Over 30 injured individuals were rushed to hospitals.
- Authorities are investigating overcrowding as a key factor.
- Goa's Chief Minister visited the affected at the hospital.
- Safety measures are under review for future public events.
Panaji, May 3 (NationPress) Tragically, six individuals lost their lives and over 30 others sustained injuries following a stampede at the Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, Goa. The unfortunate event unfolded in the early hours of Saturday.
Initial assessments indicate that overcrowding and a lack of adequate safety measures may have contributed to this disaster.
Goa's Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, visited the hospital on Saturday to offer support to those affected.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that chaos erupted when a section of the crowd lost control, prompting locals and volunteers at the temple to act swiftly and assist in pulling individuals to safety.
The stampede occurred as thousands of devotees gathered to witness a centuries-old ritual, where barefoot 'dhonds' traverse a bed of burning embers.
The Shri Lairai Yatra takes place annually in North Goa, drawing more than 50,000 devotees.
The tragedy struck when the crowd began to surge rapidly down a slope.
Reports indicate that those injured were promptly transported to nearby medical facilities.
North Goa Superintendent of Police, Akshat Kaushal, confirmed, "Six deceased and over 15 injured in the stampede that transpired at the Lairai Devi temple in Shrigao."
This incident occurred during the Shree Devi Lairai Jatra, which commenced on Friday, attracting numerous devotees.
Approximately 1,000 police officers were deployed for the event, with the administration taking precautions, including using drones for aerial surveillance of crowd dynamics.
Prior to the event, Chief Minister Sawant, along with his wife Sulakshana, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanawade, and MLAs Premendra Shet and Carlos Ferreira, visited the jatra.
The temple is renowned for its unique blend of northern and southern architectural styles and hosts the Shirgao Jatra every May, featuring a traditional fire-walking ritual that attracts thousands of devotees.
Villagers from surrounding areas, including Maulingem, participate throughout the day in religious rituals and offerings dedicated to Goddess Lairai, as stated on the Goa Tourism website.
As midnight approaches during the Lairai Jatra, devotees engage in a lively circular dance within the temple, synchronizing their stick clashing to the rhythm of drum beats.
Point of View
It's essential to focus on the gravity of this incident, which underscores the need for rigorous safety measures during large public events. The tragic loss of life must prompt an immediate review of crowd management protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the stampede at the Lairai Devi temple?
Preliminary investigations suggest that overcrowding and inadequate safety measures contributed to the stampede.
How many people were affected by the incident?
At least six people lost their lives, and more than thirty were injured in the stampede.
What measures are being taken to ensure safety in future events?
Authorities are reviewing safety protocols and crowd management strategies to prevent similar incidents from happening in future gatherings.
Who visited the injured at the hospital?
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the hospital to check on the injured individuals.
How many police personnel were deployed for the event?
Approximately 1,000 police officers were assigned to manage the crowd during the jatra.
