Reported By Indrajeet Singh
Goa stampede: At least seven people were dead and more than 30 were injured in a stampede that occurred at the Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao, Goa, on Saturday. The incident occurred during the annual Shree Lairai Yatra, also known as Shirgao Jatra, which draws over 50,000 participants every year. According to reports, the stampede was triggered at a downhill section of the route, where the crowd began moving quickly. The situation has led to panic and chaos among locals, and the injured were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital.
Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has taken stock of the situation. In a post on X, he said, “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 Narendra Modi spoke with me and took detailed stock of the situation, offering his full support during this difficult time.”
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…
---Advertisement---— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) May 3, 2025
Meanwhile, an emergency response has been initiated by the authorities. State health minister Vishwajit Rane informed that five ambulances through 108 services have been dispatched to the site, out of which 3 have been stationed at Asilo. Additionally, the condition of the patients is being closely monitored.
Reports added that over 1,000 police personnel were deployed at the site for the jatra, and drones were also placed to oversee the crowd movements. Meanwhile, further details are awaited. Earlier on Friday, CM Sawant extended greetings to the people of Goa on the divine occasion. He visited the jatra with his wife, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanawade, MLA Premendra Shet and MLA Carlos Ferreira.
