7 useless, many injured at stampede in Goa temple: Did electrical shock result in the tragedy?

A festive gathering became a heartbreaking tragedy at Goa’s Shri
Lairai Devi temple in Shirgaon village on Friday, when a stampede broke out through the temple’s annual jatra. The chaos left at the very least seven individuals useless and over 30 injured, with the tally anticipated to rise.

The stampede happened within the early hours of the morning as hundreds of devotees had assembled on the temple for the favored annual celebration. Many had travelled from throughout Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to participate within the ritual, which pulls large crowds every year.

Eyewitnesses mentioned there have been chaotic scenes as individuals struggled to flee the dense crowd.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant each expressed their grief over the lack of lives, and Sawant visited the North Goa District Hospital to take inventory of the unfolding scenario.

However what precisely led to the stampede? Right here’s what we all know thus far.

What occurred?

The stampede happened round 3 am on the Shri Lairai Devi temple in Bicholim, the place hundreds had gathered to participate within the temple’s annual jatra, which started on Friday.

Held within the north Goa village of Shirgaon, the Lairai Devi jatra is a significant non secular occasion that honours Goddess Lairai, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and one of many seven sister deities in Goan folklore.

The pageant is known for its highly effective rituals and big turnout of devotees.

As midnight approaches, the devotees carry out a round stick dance, synchronised with rhythmic drum beats.

The ritual reaches its peak when a delegated particular person lights an enormous bonfire close to the temple. This marks one of the crucial awaited moments of the celebration.

As soon as the flames subside within the early morning hours, comes essentially the most intense ritual of all—‘Agnidivya’—the place devotees generally known as ‘Dhonds’ stroll barefoot over a mattress of burning embers to hunt blessings.

However this 12 months, one thing went terribly unsuitable.

Eyewitnesses mentioned the gang started to lose management at one level through the early morning rush. A sudden push close to a sloped part of the route brought about individuals to surge ahead unexpectedly, creating panic and triggering a stampede.

Preliminary experiences counsel that the mixture of an enormous turnout and inadequate crowd management measures led to the lethal rush.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant later said {that a} sudden electrical shock could have triggered the panic among the many crowd, in accordance with NDTV. Nonetheless, the precise trigger remains to be being investigated.

Regardless of the size of the occasion, the pageant wasn’t brief on safety. Over 1,000 police personnel have been deployed for crowd administration and total security, as reported by The Indian Categorical. The forces included the North Goa district police, India Reserve Battalion, and Goa Reserve Police.

But, even with such a big safety presence, the scenario slipped uncontrolled, elevating questions over crowd management and administration.

Ambulances deployed, well being dept on excessive alert

Following the stampede, the emergency providers have been placed on alert.

Police rushed to the scene and instantly launched rescue operations, whereas locals and volunteers joined efforts to drag individuals to security from the chaos.

The state authorities initiated an emergency response instantly after the incident. Goa Well being Minister Vishwajit Rane mentioned they’ve taken “fast and complete steps” to handle the scenario.

He mentioned coordination was established with 108—the nationwide emergency ambulance service—to dispatch 5 ambulances to the positioning. Three extra have been positioned at Asilo Hospital, with an extra three saved on standby till the scenario could possibly be introduced below management. A 24/7 helpline has additionally been began for medical emergencies.

In view of the unlucky stampede on the Lairai Zatra, now we have taken fast and complete steps to handle the scenario. We’ve coordinated with 108, guaranteeing that 5 ambulances have been dispatched to the positioning, with three stationed at Asilo and an extra three saved on…

— Vishwajit Rane (@visrane) Could 3, 2025

In line with NDTV, at the very least seven individuals, together with a 17-year-old boy, misplaced their lives within the tragedy. As per The Instances of India, the six victims have been recognized as Surya Mayekar from Sakhali in Bicholim; Pratibha Kalangutkar of Kumbharjua; Yeshwant Kerkar from Thivim; Sagar Nandarge of Mathwada, Piligao; and Aditya Kauthankar and Tanuja Kauthankar from Auchit Wada, Thivim.

Over 30 others have been significantly injured within the stampede. Amongst them, at the very least 10 are in essential situation and are at present being monitored on the Goa Medical School.

Chief Minister Sawant confirmed that medical groups have additionally been deployed to the Major Well being Centre in Bicholim, the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa, and Goa Medical School in Bambolim to make sure that all injured obtain immediate and correct care.

PM Modi dials Sawant, expresses grief

Within the wake of the tragic stampede, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally known as Goa CM Pramod Sawant to get an replace on the scenario and supply his condolences.

Expressing his sorrow over the lack of lives, PM Modi wrote on X, “Saddened by the lack of lives on account of a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to those that misplaced their family members. Could the injured recuperate quickly. The native administration is helping these affected.”

Saddened by the lack of lives on account of a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to those that misplaced their family members. Could the injured recuperate quickly. The native administration is helping these affected: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) Could 3, 2025

CM Sawant, who visited the hospital to satisfy the injured victims, assured them of full help from the state authorities. He later shared an replace on X as effectively.

Goa: A stampede through the Shirgaon Temple procession in Goa resulted in 6 deaths and 30 severe accidents. Panic unfold within the crowded space, and emergency providers shortly responded. Preliminary experiences counsel overcrowding and lack of correct preparations as potential causes. Goa… pic.twitter.com/dPlVYlIns2

— IANS (@ians_india) Could 3, 2025

“Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede on the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning. I visited the hospital to satisfy the injured and have assured all potential help to the affected households. I’m personally monitoring the scenario to make sure that each needed measure is being taken. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji spoke with me and took detailed inventory of the scenario, providing his full help throughout this troublesome time,” he posted.

Goa Congress reacts

The Goa Congress additionally expressed its condolences to these affected by the stampede.

Goa Congress is deeply saddened by the stampede at Jatrotsav of Shree Lairai Devi,Shirgao. We condemn this tragic incident and supply heartfelt condolences to the households who misplaced their family members. Wishing a speedy restoration to all these injured. @DrAnjaliTai @ViriatoFern pic.twitter.com/Ut0Db1RZzs

— Goa Congress (@INCGoa) Could 3, 2025

Sharing a message on X, the celebration mentioned, “Goa Congress is deeply saddened by the stampede at Jatrotsav of Shree Lairai Devi, Shirgao. We condemn this tragic incident and supply heartfelt condolences to the households who misplaced their family members. Wishing a speedy restoration to all these injured.”

With enter from businesses