A tragic stampede at the Shri Lairai Zatra in Shirgao, Goa, left at least six people dead and over 60 injured early on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The incident occurred during the annual Lairai Devi jatra, a significant event that attracts thousands of devotees to the temple. Eyewitnesses reported that chaos erupted when the large crowd, estimated to exceed 50,000, became uncontrollable, leading to a rush that resulted in the stampede.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and confirmed that he visited the injured at the Goa Medical College (GMC) and the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa. "Six people died in the stampede, and over 50 people have been injured. After getting the information, I went to the spot. The injured are being treated in the hospital. This is an unfortunate incident," Sawant stated. He also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called to inquire about the situation and assured assistance from the central government.
The stampede reportedly occurred around 4 a.m. when the procession reached a slope, causing the crowd to surge. "There were more than 50,000 people participating in the Jatra every year, and the situation became uncontrollable due to the sheer number of attendees," Sawant explained. The health department has been proactive, with Goa's Health Minister Vishwajit Rane announcing measures to ensure proper care and monitoring of the injured. He mentioned that a dedicated ICU has been set up and nodal officers have been appointed to oversee the situation.
Rane provided a detailed account of the casualties, stating that a total of 30 individuals were reported as casualties, including eight who were critically injured and referred to GMC for specialized care. "A total of 30 casualties have been reported. Of these, eight critical patients, including two intubated cases, have been referred to GMC for super-speciality care; four were brought in dead; eight are admitted at Asilo; ten are receiving treatment for minor injuries; and two have been discharged," Rane said.
In the wake of this tragedy, the state government has decided to cancel all official programs for the next three days, starting on May 3, 2025. This decision reflects the somber mood following the incident and the need to focus on the ongoing investigation. The local police are conducting a thorough inquiry into the causes of the stampede, and the state government is committed to ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future.
The Lairai Devi jatra is a centuries-old ritual where devotees walk barefoot on burning embers, a practice that symbolizes their devotion. However, this year’s event turned deadly as the crowd dynamics proved too difficult to manage, raising questions about the adequacy of security measures in place.
As the news of the stampede spread, condolences poured in from various quarters. Union Minister Shripad Naik visited the hospitals where the injured were being treated and expressed his sympathies. He remarked, "Many people got injured in the 'yatra', many people died. This is the first such incident there. I cannot say how it happened as of now. I pay my condolences to the people who died and wish for a speedy recovery of the injured. We have to be careful in the future."
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also took to social media to express his sorrow over the incident, stating, "The news of the death of several devotees and injury to many others in a stampede during the annual pilgrimage to the Lerai Devi Temple in Shirgaon, Goa, is very sad. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. Also, I hope for the speedy recovery of all the injured."
The tragic events of May 3 have left the community in shock, and the aftermath will likely lead to a reevaluation of safety protocols at large gatherings. As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing care for the injured and supporting the families of those who lost their lives.
In the coming days, the health department will remain on high alert, ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place for the ongoing treatment of the injured. The situation is being closely monitored, with updates expected as more information becomes available.
