Authorities are yet to confirm the exact cause of the stampede
At least six people were killed and more than 50 others injured after a stampede broke out during the annual Lairai Devi jatra (procession) at a temple in Goa's Shirgaon early Saturday.
The incident took place at the Sree Devi Lairai temple -- around 40 kilometres away from state capital Panaji -- when panic spread during the large religious gathering, causing a sudden rush among thousands of devotees. Witnesses said there were chaotic scenes as people struggled to escape the dense crowd.
The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said they were "saddened" by the loss of lives due to the stampede in Shirgaon.
"Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected," PM Modi's office posted on X.
Mr Sawant said he visited the hospital to meet the injured and assured all possible support to the affected families.
"I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken," he wrote on X.
"Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji spoke with me and took detailed stock of the situation, offering his full support during this difficult time," he added.
Authorities are yet to confirm the exact cause of the stampede, but preliminary reports suggest it took place due to overcrowding and a lack of crowd control measures.
The Lairai Devi jatra is celebrated every year in the north Goa village of Shirgaon. It celebrates Goddess Lairai, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and one of the seven sister deities in Goan folklore.
The festival is known for its unique rituals, including the 'Agnidivya' (fire-walking) ceremony, where devotees, called Dhonds, walk barefoot over a bed of burning coals to seek blessings.
Thousands of devotees from Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka attend the annual festival.
Devotees performing 'Agnidivya' on Friday
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane called it an "unfortunate stampede" and said they have taken "immediate and comprehensive steps" to manage the situation.
He said they have coordinated with 108 -- the national emergency ambulance number -- to ensure that five ambulances were dispatched to the site, with three stationed at Asilo and an additional three kept on standby until the situation stabilises.
"A total of 30 casualties have been reported. Of these, 8 critical patients, including 2 intubated cases, have been referred to GMC (Goa Medical College) for super speciality care; 4 (2 male, 2 female) were brought in dead; 8 are admitted at Asilo; 10 are receiving treatment for minor injuries; and two have been discharged," he wrote on X.
He said ten patients are "currently serious" and under observation in the casualty at the GMC.
"Additional doctors have been roped in, and a dedicated ICU with ventilators has been set up to provide consolidated care. All necessary arrangements have been made, and we are closely monitoring the condition of each patient. GMC and Health services, including 108, have also been instructed to remain on high alert," he said.
