An Electrical Shock, Then Sudden Rush? What Led To Lethal Stampede At Goa Temple
Panaji:
A stampede left at the least six lifeless and dozens injured at a temple within the coastal metropolis of Goa final night time. The incident occurred throughout a big gathering on the Shirgaon temple. The devotees had been taking part in an annual procession when panic unfold by way of the gang, inflicting a sudden rush. Eyewitnesses have described a chaotic scene on the temple when the tragedy struck.
Lairai Jatra
The Shirgaon temple was filled with devotees for the Lairai Devi jatra, the procession of Goddess Lairai and her siblings held yearly throughout April or Could. Lairai, who’s believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, is among the many seven sister deities in Goan folklore. The pageant attracts an enormous variety of devotees from throughout Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
An elaborate safety association was made for the grand occasion final night time in coordination with the temple committee.
Over a thousand police personnel had been deployed on the temple, together with a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-level officer. Dozens of different senior officers and tons of of constables and ladies cops had been a part of the safety construction. A number of officers had been in civilian garments to forestall pickpocketing.
The Goa Reserve Police Power was additionally on the bottom. To make sure clean visitors, over 300 visitors police personnel had been deployed. The police used drone surveillance to control the gang. A Vajra Van, or riot management automobile, was additionally on standby.
What Led To Stampede
Midnight visuals confirmed a crowd of devotees gathered round an enormous fireplace on the temple for a customized that includes sitting across the fireplace and making needs. Devotees consider their needs come true in the event that they take part on this ritual. Some even stroll on embers for a ritual known as ‘agnidivya‘. However it isn’t recognized if individuals had been participating within the customized on the time of the stampede.
Round 4-4:30 am, a sudden rush was seen among the many crowd. Panic unfold and chaotic scenes unfolded as devotees began jostling to flee, as described by eyewitnesses. Preliminary experiences recommend overcrowding and a scarcity of crowd management measures led to the frenzy.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated a sudden electrical shock is alleged to have sparked panic within the crowd. However the precise trigger is just not recognized but.
The emergency companies had been placed on alert. The police rushed to the stampede website and started rescue operations. Not less than six individuals, together with a 17-year-old boy, misplaced their lives within the stampede whereas 50 others suffered critical accidents. The injured had been taken to close by hospitals.
Authorities’ Response
Mr Sawant stated the injured are being handled on the Goa Medical Faculty and North Goa District Hospital. Extra groups of docs had been deployed at these two hospitals. The Chief Minister met the injured on the hospital and is monitoring the scenario.
Each essential measure is being taken, he assured, including that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken detailed inventory of the scenario.
PM Modi additionally supplied condolences and wished a speedy restoration to the injured.
“Saddened by the lack of lives attributable to a stampede in Shirgao, Goa. Condolences to those that misplaced their family members. Could the injured get well quickly. The native administration is helping these affected,” stated the Prime Minister.
A 24/7 helpline has been began; for medical emergencies, one can dial 104, knowledgeable Goa well being minister Vishwajit Rane. Goa Medical Faculty and different district hospitals are totally outfitted, and 10 superior ambulances have been deployed, he stated.
