A tragic stampede during the annual Lairai Devi festival at the Shirgaon temple in Goa on Saturday claimed the lives of six individuals and left more than 50 injured, prompting the Goa government to order a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed his grief and announced immediate action:
“A magisterial inquiry will be instituted to thoroughly investigate the incident at the Shirgaon Jatra. I will shortly be chairing a high-level meeting to review the entire situation and ensure appropriate action is taken.”
Stampede Sparked by Rumour: Police
According to Goa DGP Alok Kumar, the stampede occurred around 3:45 AM, likely due to a rumour that caused panic among the devotees.
“Around 150 people fell down during the stampede,” he said. “The police and volunteers immediately launched a rescue operation. The situation was contained to a small area, preventing more casualties.”
Despite the deployment of 1,000 police personnel, the sudden rush led to tragedy. The cause of the stampede is still under investigation.
Healthcare Response and Casualty Report
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that 74 patients were treated across various government hospitals, including Asilo Hospital (Mapusa), CHC Bicholim, CHC Sankhali, and Goa Medical College (GMC).
“Currently, 22 patients are undergoing treatment: 18 at Asilo Hospital, three at CHC Bicholim, and one at CHC Sankhali,” Rane said.
“Sadly, six people were declared brought dead — four at Asilo (2 males, 2 females) and two at CHC Bicholim.”
Health Department Mobilises Emergency Measures
Minister Rane added that a high-level meeting with the Health Secretary, DHS, and GMC officials will be held to ensure all patients receive the best possible care.
He also praised the dedication of frontline healthcare workers, saying:
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to public health and to supporting every healthcare worker tirelessly serving on the frontlines.”
A Festival Turned Tragic
The Lairai Devi festival attracts thousands of devotees annually and is one of the most prominent religious gatherings in Goa. The sudden crowd surge turned what is usually a spiritual celebration into a heartbreaking disaster.
As authorities begin their investigation, the focus remains on treating the injured, supporting grieving families, and determining the exact cause of the stampede — with an aim to prevent such tragedies in the future.