Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the Goa Medical College (GMC) to meet the victims of the Shirgaon stampede, which took place during the annual Lairai Devi jatra at the Shirgaon temple. The tragic incident led to six deaths and over 50 injuries.
Speaking on the tragedy, Pramod Sawant said,
“Six people died in the stampede, and over 50 people have been injured. After getting the information, I went to the spot. The injured are being treated in the hospital…More than 50,000 people participate in the Jatra every year. This is an unfortunate incident. PM Modi called me and enquired about the incident. He also assured to provide assistance from the Centre.”
The Chief Minister added that an investigation is currently underway, led by the SP North and the District Collector. In light of the tragedy, the Goa government has cancelled all official programs for the next three days.
“We are taking care of the treatment of the injured…SP North and the Collector are conducting an investigation of the incident…We are cancelling all Govt programs for the next 3 days in the state…” Sawant stated.
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane also addressed the situation and confirmed that the health department has implemented comprehensive measures to ensure the well-being of the injured. This includes the setup of a dedicated ICU and the appointment of nodal officers for patient monitoring.
Taking to social media, Rane wrote on X:
“In view of the unfortunate stampede at the Lairai Zatra, we have taken immediate and comprehensive steps to manage the situation. We have coordinated with 108, ensuring that five ambulances were dispatched to the site, with three stationed at Asilo and an additional three kept on standby until the situation stabilises.”
He further added:
“A total of 30 casualties have been reported. Of these, 8 critical patients, including 2 intubated cases, have been referred to GMC for super-speciality care; 4 (2 male, 2 female) were brought in dead; 8 are admitted at Asilo; 10 are receiving treatment for minor injuries; and two have been discharged. 10 patients are currently serious and under observation in the casualty at GMC. Additional doctors have been roped in, and a dedicated ICU with ventilators has been set up to provide consolidated care. All necessary arrangements have been made, and we are closely monitoring the condition of each patient. GMC and Health services, including 108 has also been instructed to remain on high alert. MS from GMC and Asilo, have been appointed as nodal officers to monitor the situation closely. We will keep you regularly updated.”
Authorities have assured that all critical cases are receiving the required care, and the state remains on high alert to prevent further escalations.