Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic stampede during the Lairai Devi temple festivities in Shirgao village, Goa, which claimed at least six lives and left more than 30 others injured. The stampede occurred during the annual Shri Lairai Yatra, as thousands of devotees gathered for the event.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said, “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 Modi also spoke with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to review the situation and offered full support from the Centre. CM Sawant visited the hospital to personally assess the condition of the injured and assured that all necessary measures would be taken to support the affected families.

In a post on X, CM Sawant 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 were on high alert and fully equipped to manage the emergency. He added that the medical facilities at Goa Medical College and other district hospitals were reinforced.

The stampede took place during the centuries-old Shri Lairai Yatra, which attracts over 50,000 devotees. A sudden surge in the crowd reportedly caused the chaos, with overcrowding and poor crowd management identified as possible causes. The incident occurred on a downhill stretch of the route, leading to a crush of people.