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Key Points

A devastating stampede during the Lairai Devi temple festival in Goa claimed six lives and injured over 30 people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and spoke directly with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to offer support. The incident occurred during a centuries-old ritual involving thousands of devotees, with preliminary reports suggesting overcrowding and terrain challenges as primary causes. Local authorities are providing medical assistance and investigating the tragic event.

Key Points: Modi Offers Condolences After Deadly Goa Temple Stampede

  • Six lives lost during annual Lairai Devi temple festival
  • Overcrowding and slope likely caused deadly stampede
  • Over 30 people injured in tragic incident
  • Goa CM monitors emergency response
2 min read

Saddened by loss of lives: PM Modi on Goa stampede

PM Modi mourns Shirgao temple stampede victims, speaks with Goa CM Pramod Sawant and promises full support

"Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, May 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended condolences to those who lost their lives in the stampede that occurred during the Lairai Devi temple festivities in Shirgao village.

The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday as a large number of devotees had gathered for the annual yatra. According to sources, at least six people lost their lives, and over 30 were injured in the stampede.

"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. The local administration is assisting those affected," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

PM Modi also spoke with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and reviewed the situation in detail, offering full support from the Centre during this difficult time.

CM Sawant personally visited the hospital to assess the condition of the injured.

Later, posting on X, the Chief Minister 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."

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that all district hospitals are on high alert and fully equipped to handle the emergency. He added that the medical infrastructure at Goa Medical College (GMC) and other district hospitals has been strengthened and placed on high alert.

The stampede occurred during the Shri Lairai Yatra, an annual religious event that draws over 50,000 devotees to the temple in North Goa.

A highlight of the centuries-old ritual is the participation of barefoot 'dhonds' who walk across a bed of burning embers in a symbolic act of devotion. The sheer number of attendees and a sudden surge in the crowd reportedly led to the deadly stampede.

Preliminary reports point towards severe overcrowding and insufficient crowd management arrangements as potential causes behind the stampede.

The situation turned chaotic due to a downward slope on a stretch of the route, where the crowd reportedly surged forward rapidly, leading to a crush.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Very tragic incident. Our prayers are with the affected families 🙏 Authorities must conduct a thorough investigation and implement better crowd control measures for future religious gatherings. This keeps happening at various pilgrimages across India - we need permanent solutions.
P
Priya M.
Heartbreaking news from Goa. While the PM's quick response is appreciated, why do we wait for tragedies to happen before improving infrastructure? Our temples and religious sites deserve world-class crowd management systems. Jai Lairai Devi, but safety must come first.
S
Sanjay T.
As someone who has attended this yatra before, I can say the narrow pathways and steep slopes make it extremely dangerous when crowded. The organizers need to limit tickets/entry and create proper barricades. Devotion shouldn't cost lives.
A
Ananya R.
The fire-walking ritual is so beautiful but now overshadowed by this tragedy 😢 Hope the injured recover soon. Goa government should consider making this a ticketed event with proper crowd control like Sabarimala or Vaishno Devi. Bhakti and safety can coexist.
V
Vikram P.
While the medical response seems good, prevention is what matters. We need trained volunteers at such events, not just police. Look at how Kumbh Mela manages lakhs of devotees - Goa should learn from that model. This was completely avoidable.
N
Neha S.
My cousin was there and witnessed the chaos. Said there were no clear exit routes when panic started. Authorities must be held accountable - religious events need proper disaster management plans. Thoughts with all affected families in this difficult time.

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