Goa Shirgaon temple stampede death toll | Reason: A religious gathering turned into a scene of tragedy in Goa late last night as a stampede at the revered Shirgaon temple during the annual Lairai Devi Jatra left at least six people dead and over 50 seriously injured. Among the deceased is a 17-year-old boy. Panic swept through a large crowd of devotees around 4:30 am, triggering a deadly rush that overwhelmed emergency response systems and left scores of worshippers injured.
The stampede occurred during the Lairai Jatra, a major religious event held each year to honor Goddess Lairai, believed in Goan folklore to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and one of the region’s seven revered sister deities.
The festival attracts thousands of devotees from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, many of whom stay up all night to participate in elaborate fire rituals, including the custom of ‘agnidivya’, or walking over embers to fulfill wishes.
Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes of devotees running in different directions, tripping over each other in a frantic attempt to escape the swelling crowd. While the exact cause remains under investigation, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that an electric shock incident may have sparked the panic.
Massive Security Presence Couldn’t Prevent Stampede
Despite the scale of security arrangements, crowd control failed to prevent the tragedy. Over 1,000 police personnel, including senior officers and women cops, were stationed at the temple.
The Goa Police had also deployed drone surveillance, riot control vehicles, and undercover officers to detect pickpocketing and manage crowd movement.
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Additionally, 300 traffic police and the Goa Reserve Police Force were mobilized to manage the inflow of pilgrims and ensure safety. Yet, the sudden crush of people around the fire ritual overwhelmed existing protocols.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
The injured were rushed to Goa Medical College and North Goa District Hospital, where emergency teams, including additional doctors and paramedics, were activated. Chief Minister Sawant, who visited the injured, assured that all necessary medical support is being provided. Ten advanced ambulances have also been deployed across affected regions.
A 24/7 medical helpline (104) has been activated to assist families and victims in real-time, announced Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane.
PM Modi, National Leaders Express Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences in a message on social media: “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.”
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: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 3, 2025
CM Sawant confirmed that PM Modi had taken detailed stock of the situation and is closely monitoring the unfolding response.
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…
— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) May 3, 2025
While preliminary reports point to overcrowding and inadequate exit routes, a formal investigation is underway to determine the precise sequence of events and assign responsibility. Authorities have not ruled out the role of electrical malfunction as the trigger for the panic, but are examining all angles.
This tragic incident has raised serious concerns over safety protocols during mass gatherings in religious spaces, especially during high-attendance festivals in India.
