At least six people were killed and over 60 injured in a tragic stampede during the Shree Lairai Zatra festival in Shirgao village of Bicholim, Goa, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The incident, which occurred as thousands of devotees participated in the centuries-old ritual, has shocked the local community and raised concerns about safety measures at large public gatherings.
The deceased have been identified as Surya Mayekar, Pratibha Kalangutkar, Yeshwant Kerkar, Sagar Nandarge, Aditya Kauthankar, and Tanuja Kauthankar. Among the victims, two men and two women were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, confirmed Goa's Health Minister Vishwajit Rane.
Of the reported 60 casualties, eight individuals are in critical condition, including two who have been intubated and referred to Goa Medical College (GMC) for specialized treatment. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that medical officers have been deployed across various health centers and hospitals to ensure timely care for the injured.
Several of the injured are receiving treatment at Asilo Hospital, with ten individuals reported to have sustained minor injuries. Two patients have already been discharged after receiving medical attention. In response to the emergency, five ambulances were dispatched to the site through the 108 services, with additional units on standby until the situation stabilized.
"We dispatched five ambulances to the site. Three were stationed at Asilo, and three more kept on standby until the situation stabilized," Rane said, adding that the health department remains on high alert and is closely monitoring each patient's condition. Nodal officers from GMC and Asilo have been appointed to oversee the response, with regular updates being provided.
The cause of the stampede remains unclear, but eyewitness accounts suggest that the situation escalated when a part of the crowd lost control, leading to panic among the devotees. As the procession progressed, the crowd began moving rapidly all at once, particularly at a point along the route that featured a downward slope. This sudden movement contributed to the chaos that ensued.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences regarding the tragic event. He reached out to Chief Minister Sawant to take stock of the situation and assured that all necessary assistance would be provided. Modi wrote on X, "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."
In the wake of the incident, CM Sawant visited the hospital to meet with victims and their families, offering his support. He took to X to share his sentiments, stating, "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."
Furthermore, Sawant announced that a detailed inquiry into the stampede would be conducted, promising that the findings would be made public. He emphasized the need for precautionary measures during future temple festivals to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. "I have asked for a detailed inquiry into the incident. We will make the report public," he stated.
The Shri Lairai Yatra is an annual event held in North Goa, attracting over 50,000 devotees who participate in rituals, including the traditional practice of barefoot walking across a bed of burning embers, which is central to the festival. This year's event had drawn a particularly large crowd, leading to concerns about safety and crowd management.
In light of the tragedy, the Goa Congress party expressed its condolences on X, stating, "Goa Congress is deeply saddened by the stampede at Jatrotsav of Shree Lairai Devi, Shirgao. We condemn this tragic incident and offer heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured."
The community is now grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event, and many are calling for stricter safety regulations at large gatherings to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again. As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing care and support to the victims and their families during this difficult time.
