Daijiworld Media Network Panaji
Panaji, May 3: In a heart-wrenching incident that shook the quiet village of Shirgaon in North Goa, at least seven devotees were killed and more than 50 others injured in a tragic stampede during the annual Lairai Devi jatra in the early hours of Saturday. The shocking mishap unfolded at the revered Sree Devi Lairai temple, located around 40 kilometres from the state capital Panaji.
Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moments when panic swept through the densely packed crowd of thousands, triggering a sudden stampede during the popular religious event. Devotees scrambled for safety amid the chaos, leaving several trampled and critically injured. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, with many referred to Goa Medical College (GMC) for advanced treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. “The local administration is assisting those affected,” read a post from the PMO on social media platform X.
Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, who immediately visited the injured at the hospital, assured all possible assistance. “I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken,” he said, adding that the Prime Minister had also spoken to him and assured full support from the Centre.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, terming it an “unfortunate stampede,” revealed that 30 casualties were reported initially. “Eight critical patients, including two intubated, have been shifted to GMC. Four persons (two male, two female) were brought in dead, and several others are receiving care,” he stated. The minister confirmed that ten patients remain in serious condition, under close observation at GMC’s casualty department.
In a proactive move, the state Health Department has formed a dedicated medical task force consisting of senior doctors from various disciplines to oversee the treatment of critically injured patients. A green corridor was promptly established to facilitate the swift transfer of the most serious cases to the Trauma ICU, without disturbing routine hospital operations.
A high-level review meeting was chaired by Health Secretary Arun Kumar Mishra, GMC Dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar, Medical Superintendent Dr Rajesh Patil, and other key officials. “Point-of-care treatment is being ensured, and I am personally overseeing every case alongside the health administration,” Minister Rane said.
The Lairai Devi jatra, a significant spiritual event in Goa’s religious calendar, is known for the symbolic fire-walking ritual called 'Agnidivya', where devotees—known as 'Dhonds'—walk barefoot over burning embers to seek divine blessings. The annual festival attracts thousands from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
Authorities are yet to officially confirm the exact cause of the stampede, but initial reports point towards severe overcrowding and lack of adequate crowd management.
The state remains on high alert, and the administration has urged devotees and the public to cooperate as rescue, relief and medical operations continue.