GUWAHATI: At least six people were killed and more than 50 others injured in a stampede during the annual Lairai Devi jatra at the Sree Devi LairaiS temple in Shirgaon, North Goa, early Saturday morning, May 3. The incident occurred amid a massive turnout of devotees, roughly 40 km from Panaji, when panic broke out during the religious procession.
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Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as the densely packed crowd attempted to flee, triggering a stampede that led to multiple casualties. Emergency services responded swiftly, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa to meet the injured and assess the situation. “Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgao this morning,” Sawant said. He assured full support to the affected families and stated he is personally monitoring the situation to ensure all necessary measures are being taken.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, writing on social media platform 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.” According to CM Sawant, the Prime Minister personally called him to offer the Centre’s full support.
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane called it an "unfortunate stampede" and said they 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. 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 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,” he added.
The Lairai Zatra, one of Goa’s most prominent religious festivals, has been overshadowed by the tragedy. Authorities have launched a detailed inquiry to determine the cause of the stampede and to implement preventive measures for future events.
